In this medical health video Dr. Pine elaborates on the benefits and obstacles of the two main treatments for pediatric anxiety: cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and medication.
Why a Great Therapist Probably Beats a Great Antidepressant
Millions of people who suffer from depression believe their antidepressants help them. But the evidence is that antidepressants work no better than “talk therapy” (aka psychotherapy, or counseling); that many different types of psychotherapy work equally well; and that what gets most of us out of an immobilizing bout of depression has little to do with the specific treatment method.
The type of psychotherapy with the most research behind it is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which consists of an array of techniques aimed at transforming self-defeating thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. For example, in this type of counseling patients learn to identify their dysfunctional thoughts—such as exaggerations and black-and-white thinking—and stop or minimize this type of damaging thinking, which contributes to making depression worse.
CBT is common-sense stuff, and many psychotherapists use it in combination with other approaches.
This article was originally published on www.takepart.com on May 23 2013. Read the complete article here.
*Image of “serious toddler“ via Shutterrstock
