Therapy Said as Effective as Drugs for Depression

Therapy is at least as effective in treating depression as drugs are, and its effects last longer, scientists said last week in a report sure to annoy drug companies that make millions selling antidepressants. The cost of therapy is about the same as drugs short-term and cheaper over the long term, University of Pennsylvania researchers told a meeting of the American Psychiatric Assn.

“This will be a surprising, controversial finding for many psychiatric professionals,” said Penn psychologist Robert DeRubeis. “Most believe quite strongly in the efficacy of medication.”