The effects of once- versus twice-weekly sessions on psychotherapy outcomes in depressed patients. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruijniks, Sanne J. E.; Lemmens, Lotte H. J. M.; Hollon, Steven D.; Peeters, Frenk P. M. L.; Cuijpers, Pim; Arntz, Arnoud; Dingemanse, Pieter; Willems, Linda; van Oppen, Patricia; Twisk, Jos W. R.; van den Boogaard, Michael; Spijker, Jan; Bosmans, Judith; Huibers, Marcus J. H.
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 216:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Depressive disorders, -- cognitive–behavioural therapies, -- individual psychotherapy, -- randomised controlled trial, -- out-patient treatment; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.265
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: It is unclear what session frequency is most effective in cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for depression. Aims: Compare the effects of once weekly and twice weekly sessions of CBT and IPT for depression. Method: We conducted a multicentre randomised trial from November 2014 through December 2017. We recruited 200 adults with depression across nine specialised mental health centres in the Netherlands. This study used a 2 × 2 factorial design, randomising patients to once or twice weekly sessions of CBT or IPT over 16–24 weeks, up to a maximum of 20 sessions. Main outcome measures were depression severity, measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II at baseline, before session 1, and 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months after start of the intervention. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted. Results: Compared with patients who received weekly sessions, patients who received twice weekly sessions showed a statistically significant decrease in depressive symptoms (estimated mean difference between weekly and twice weekly sessions at month 6: 3.85 points, difference in effect size d = 0.55), lower attrition rates ( n = 16 compared with n = 32) and an increased rate of response (hazard ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.00–2.18). Conclusions: In clinical practice settings, delivery of twice weekly sessions of CBT and IPT for depression is a way to improve depression treatment outcomes.