Comparing Two Psychotherapy Treatments for Adults with Persistent, Treatment-Resistant Depression Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy CBASP vs. Behavioral Activation BA in Inpatient and Outpatient Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two psychotherapy programs, the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy CBASP and Behavioral Activation BA, in adults with persistent depressive disorder PDD who have not responded well to previous treatments. This study focuses on hospitalized patients with treatment-resistant depression and aims to evaluate which therapy is more effective in reducing depressive symptoms over 16 weeks. The study also explores factors that affect treatment response and the long-term effects of these therapies. Participants will receive either CBASP or BA treatment during a 10-week acute phase consisting of inpatient or dayclinic therapy followed by a 6-week outpatient continuation phase with group therapy. Both therapies include individual and group sessions, nurse contacts, and exercise therapy during inpatient treatment. All patients will also receive optimized antidepressant medication according to standard guidelines, with adjustments if needed based on response. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments using various depression rating scales, symptom inventories, and quality of life questionnaires from baseline through 64 weeks after treatment start. Researchers will monitor responses, remission, relapse rates, and cost-effectiveness of the treatments. The total study duration includes acute treatment, continuation therapy, and long-term follow-up to evaluate sustained outcomes and health economic impacts.

A Comparison of Two Psychotherapy Programs in Persistently Depressed Treatment-Resistant Inpatients