Psychotherapy in recurrent depression: efficacy, pitfalls, and recommendations.

The patient should be informed about the prognosis of depressive illness and treatment options. One option would be to continue with an antidepressant drug indefinitely; however, loss of clinical effect may occur. The other option would be to start working on the prevention of the next episode. Thus, a sequential approach might be proposed. It includes antidepressants in the acute phase and a short-term course of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the residual phase. This approach has been specifically applied for its preventive effects. Completing the psychotherapy course with sessions of Well-Being Therapy would be optimal to enhance psychological well-being and euthymia.