GROUP TREATMENT OF UNIPOLAR DEPRESSION - A COMPARISON OF COPING, SUPPORTIVE, BIBLIOTHERAPY, AND DELAYED TREATMENT GROUPS

Depressed outpatients N = 32 participated in depression-focused treatment over an 11-week period and were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at a 6-month follow-up session. Patients were randomly assigned to group, bibliotherapy, and delayed treatment conditions. Statistical analyses and quantitative analyses of clinical significance demonstrated improvement for all conditions and maintenance of therapeutic gains at follow up. The investigation raises important questions concerning the necessary and sufficient conditions for alleviating depression.