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Cited by 551Psychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesTreatment of Major Depression

Reducing relapse and recurrence in unipolar depression: a comparative meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy’s effects

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Vittengl, Jeffrey R., Clark, Lee Anna, Dunn, Todd W., Jarrett, Robin B.·2007·Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
DOI 10.1037/0022-006x.75.3.475PMC PMC2630051
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Abstract

Relapse and recurrence following response to acute-phase treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) are prevalent and costly. In a meta-analysis of 28 studies including 1,880 adults, the authors reviewed the world's published literature on cognitive-behavioral therapies (CT) aimed at preventing relapse-recurrence in MDD. Results indicate that after discontinuation of acute-phase treatment, many responders to CT relapse-recur (29% within 1 year and 54% within 2 years). These rates appear comparable to those associated with other depression-specific psychotherapies but lower than those associated with pharmacotherapy. Among acute-phase treatment responders, continuation-phase CT reduced relapse-recurrence compared with assessment only at the end of continuation treatment (21% reduction) and at follow-up (29% reduction). Continuation-phase CT also reduced relapse-recurrence compared with other active continuation treatments at the end of continuation treatment (12% reduction) and at follow-up (14% reduction). The authors discuss implications for research and patient care and suggest directions, with methodological refinements, for future studies.

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Crossref · 10.1037/0022-006x.75.3.475

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101 of 101 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Numerous high-quality studies show that treatment effects wane and that the risk of relapse ranges from 29% to 51% in the first year after treatment completion.

    “However, numerous high-quality studies show that treatment effects wane and that the risk of relapse ranges from 29% to 51% in the first year after treatment completion 2-4 .”

    From ChatGPT: five priorities for research (2023) · cites this paper as [4]

  • Meta-analyses focusing on psychological relapse prevention interventions for depressive disorders indicate that these interventions are effective in preventing relapse, with reductions of 22-50% in relapse.

    “Meta-analyses focusing on psychological relapse prevention interventions for depressive disorders indicate that these interventions are effective in preventing relapse, with reductions of 22–50% in relapse [18, 44–48].”

    From Psychological interventions to prevent relapse in anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2022) · cites this paper as [47]

  • Approximately 40%-50% of patients relapse within 1-2 years of receiving treatment.

    “approximately 40%–50% of patients relapse within 1–2 years of receiving treatment (8, 9).”

    From A narrative review of digital biomarkers in the management of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant forms (2023) · cites this paper as [9]

  • In a trial of partially remitted depression, significantly fewer participants receiving ICBT experienced relapse compared with control (10.5% vs 37.8%).

    “Significantly, fewer participants receiving ICBT experienced relapse compared with those in the control group (10.5 compared with 37.8%), which is in line with previous face-to-face studies [30].”

    From Internet-based psychological treatments for depression (2012) · cites this paper as [30]

  • A number of psychological interventions have been developed that can be used to target cognitive change in remitted depressed individuals, most notably CBT and MBCT.

    “A number of psychological interventions have been developed that can be used to target such cognitive change in remitted depressed individuals, most notably cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT; Vittengl, Clark, Dunn, & Jarrett, 2007) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT; Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2012).”

    From Beneficial effects of training in self-distancing and perspective broadening for people with a history of recurrent depression (2017) · cites this paper as Vittengl, Clark, Dunn, & Jarrett, 2007

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Authors
Vittengl, J. R., Clark, L. A., Dunn, T. W., & Jarrett, R. B.
Affiliations
  • Truman State University (US)
  • University of Iowa (US)
  • The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2007
Volume
75
Issue
3
Pages
475-488
ISSN
  • 0022-006X (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-2117
DOI
10.1037/0022-006x.75.3.475
PMC
PMC2630051
OpenAlex
W1981386178
Cited by
551
References
102
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 30 · 2020: 34 · 2019: 42 · 2018: 35 · 2017: 32 · 2016: 36 · 2015: 36 · 2014: 38 · 2013: 29 · 2012: 37
FWCI
4.36
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (MH-58397; MH-01571)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
Keywords
major depressive disorder, relapse prevention, recurrence prevention, cognitive behavioral therapy, acute phase treatment, psychotherapy versus pharmacotherapy, treatment discontinuation
MeSH terms
Depressive Disorder, Humans, Recurrence, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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