Posted by SLS on November 21, 2009, at 5:46:12
In reply to Re: No benefit to adding psychotherapy to medication » SLS, posted by morganator on November 21, 2009, at 1:24:09
> I hear ya
I enjoy reading your posts and learn much from them.
I am still partial to the idea that, along a spectrum of relative contributions of the biological and the psychological, psychosocial stress can trigger or reinforce a depressive episode. At one end of the spectrum are people whose depression is biologically driven without input from psychological pathology. At the other end of the spectrum are people whose depression is psychologically driven, and will remit as psychological issues are resolved.
It is my opinion that if a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder is made properly, the illness will be predominantly biological and more resistant to psychological treatment. Even here, though, psychotherapy can be supportive and help provide coping tools to use while the depression persists. Of course, having a biological affective disorder does not preclude the presence of psychological issues as well.
One thing I don't like seeing is a psychotherapist disregarding the biological nature of affective disorders and place the responsibility of mental health on the psyche of the patient. This is a cruel sort of sabotage.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:926342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091117/msgs/926408.html