Problem Solving Therapy For Depression

Data Abstraction And Coding

Two authors reviewed an initial pool of 153 studies and agreed to remove 65 studies based on title and 68 studies based on abstract, resulting in 20 studies for full-text review. To develop the final list, we excluded 6 studies after closer review of full-text and consultation with a third reviewer who is an established PST researcher. Lastly, we excluded 2 studies due to 1) a study with a design that blurred the effect of PST with other treatments and 2) unsuccessful contact with a study author to request data needed for calculating effect size. We used a final sample of 11 studies for meta-analysis. The PRISMA chart is presented in .

How To Get Started

Your doctor may be able to recommend therapists in your area who utilize this approach, or they may offer it themselves as part of their practice. You can also search for a problem-solving therapist with help from the American Psychological Associations Society of Clinical Psychology.

If receiving problem-solving therapy from a doctor or mental healthcare professional is not an option for you, you could also consider implementing it as a self-help strategy using a workbook designed to help you learn problem-solving skills on your own.

During your first session, your therapist may spend some time explaining their process and approach. They may ask you to identify the problem youre currently facing, and theyll likely discuss your goals for therapy.

Problem-solving therapy may be a short-term intervention that’s focused on solving a specific issue in your life. If you need further help with something more pervasive, it can also become a longer-term treatment option.

Key Questions To Ask A Therapist When Considering Problem

Psychotherapy is most successful when you feel comfortable and have a good collaborative relationship with your therapist. Asking specific questions can simplify the process of choosing a clinician that is the right fight for you. Consider making a list of questions to help you with this task.

Here are some key questions to ask before starting PST:

• Is problem-solving therapy suitable for the struggles I am dealing with?
• Can you tell me about your professional experience including providing problem-solving therapy?
• Have you dealt with other clients who present with similar issues as mine?
• If cultural consideration is important to you, ask: Have you worked with individuals with similar cultural backgrounds as me?
• How do you structure your PST sessions and treatment timeline?
• How long do PST sessions last?
• How many sessions will I need?
• What expectations should I have in working with you from a problem-solving therapeutic stance?
• What expectations are required from me throughout treatment?
• Does my insurance cover PST, if not what are your fees?
• What is your cancellation policy?

You May Like: How To Get Past Depression On Your Own

Techniques Used In Problem Solving Therapy

PSTs emphasis is on the client, and techniques used are merely conduits that facilitate the problem-solving learning process. Generally, the problem-solving work is mostly led by the individual in collaboration and support from the clinician. Thus, a strong therapeutic alliance sets the foundation for encouraging clients to apply these outside of therapy sessions.4

Here are some of the most relevant guidelines and techniques used in problem-solving therapy:

Problem Solving Therapy In Home Care

Problem Solving Therapy in Home Care is an adapted model based on published procedures.â PST appears well-suited for medically ill older adults given its collaborative and problem-centered approach to daily living with stressful chronic medical conditions. Several reviews , have highlighted the efficacy of problem solving therapy among a variety of adult samples including depressed community-dwelling older adults,, adult cancer patients, and depressed primary care patients. One review found that the mean effect size for PST in the treatment of major depression is 0.83, indicating that PST is a robust psychosocial depression intervention when compared to other psychosocial interventions.,

Don’t Miss: Does Smoking Cause Anxiety And Depression

What Is Problem Solving Therapy In The Treatment Of Major Depressive Disorder

• WhatsApp

Problem-solving therapy aims to improve individuals problem-solving attitudes and behaviors in order to decrease distress and improve quality of life. The use of PST for the treatment of major depressive disorder is based on a model characterizing social problem solving as a mediator and moderator of the relationship between stress and depression. Social problem solving is defined as a cognitive-behavioral process that involves directing efforts to cope with a problem toward changing the nature of the situation, changing ones reaction to the problem, or both. This includes the ability to identify and select a variety of coping responses to address the features of a specific stressful situation.

Implications Of The Review For Practice And Research

Research: the authors did not state any implications for practice.

Practice: the authors stated that future studies should evaluate the effects of PST in other health disorders and in older depressed adults and different ethnic and cultural groups, and compare effects with newer alternative treatments and in settings where social workers are employed.

Also Check: Who Do I Talk To If I M Depressed

Selection And Inclusion Of Studies

The search for empirical studies identified 563 unique records , of which 148 were screened in full. Inclusion criteria were met by four RCTs of free-standing PST and four secondary analyses of clinical trials investigating PS-related concepts as predictors, mediators, or moderators of treatment response. No eligible qualitative studies that explicitly examined youth experiences of PS training were identified. The search for CPGs identified 9691 unique records, of which 41 were subject to full text screening, and 23 were included in the review. Below we present scoping review findings for all literature types, followed by the results from the meta-analysis for stand-alone PST trials.

What Can Problem Solving Therapy Help With

Although PST was initially developed to treat depression among primary care patients, it has expanded to address or rehabilitate other psychological problems, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and more.

PST theory asserts that vulnerable populations can benefit from receiving constructive problem-solving tools in a therapeutic relationship to increase resiliency and prevent emotional setbacks or behaviors with destructive results like suicide. It is worth noting that in severe psychiatric cases, PST can be effectively used when integrated with other mental health interventions.3,4

PST is most effective and frequently used for people that have psychological/physical issues that are being treated separately and need assistance in addressing daily stressors and emotional distress related to their health condition.3,4

PST can help individuals who are challenged with specific issues and have difficulty finding solutions or ways to cope. These issues can involve a wide range of incidents such as the death of a loved one, divorce, stress related to a chronic medical diagnosis, or a series of minor ongoing issues like financial stress, marital difficulties, or tension at work.

Recommended Reading: Ketamine Vs Psilocybin For Depression

Diagnostic Approaches And Subjects

Seven subjects in AT group and five subjects in CATP group were all diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the follow-up survey, and they were ultimately excluded from this study. Two subjects in AT group and three subjects in CATP group were also excluded from this study because they could not finish the follow-up assessment. Finally, the data from 31 subjects in AT group and 32 subjects in CATP group were used in the statistical analyses.

Is Epst Right For Me

If depression is your main problem, or if you want to learn to manage problems in your life, ePST can help. Willing to try a self-guided approach? ePST likely is a good fit for you.

• ePST might be the first thing you try

• ePST can help even if youve tried other treatments, including medication

• You might find ePST helpful while you are waiting to see a counselor

• Some users see enough improvement with ePST that they dont need additional treatment

You May Like: What Is Deep Brain Stimulation For Depression

Can You Treat Depression

A current research study recommends that vulnerability to depression may not result from genetic variation. The researchers acknowledge that while depression could be acquired, numerous nezu problem solving therapy for depression various other concerns also affect its development. It lifts during the remainder of the year and in reaction to light treatment.

Depression is currently the leading cause of impairment in established countries and the 4th leading cause of handicap worldwide. Forecasts estimate that depression will be the second leading source of impairment around the world by 2020. The yearly price of depression in the united state alone is about $70-80 billion. NIMH site with comprehensive info nezu problem solving therapy for depression on depression causes, signs and symptoms and also therapies. This website likewise includes case studies, NIMH booklets as well as information on current NIMH research studies. Because of high demand for our clinicians, therapy research studies can offer an excellent option for potential individuals.

How To Find A Therapist Who Practices Problem

Finding a therapist who is skilled in problem-solving therapy is not any different from finding any qualified mental health professional. This is because many clinicians often have knowledge in cognitive-behavioral interventions which hold similar concepts as PST.

As a general recommendation, it is best to check your health insurance provider lists, use an online directory where you can filter for PST, or ask trusted friends or family if they can recommend someone. Then contact any of these providers and ask questions to determine who is more compatible with what you are looking for.3,4

Don’t Miss: What To Do When You Think You Have Depression

Clinical Interventions And Clinical Assessment

Two psychiatric residents examined all the participants to confirm or exclude a major depression diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria and to collect medication and sociodemographic data. A HAMD was applied to assess the depressive severity for patients. A decrease of more than 50% in HAMD scores from baseline to follow-up was defined as a treatment response, and HAMD scores < 7 at follow-up were defined as clinical remission.

HAMD and the FVT data were measured for the AT group and CATP group at baseline and after 12 weeks of interventions . The HC group was assessed using the facevignette task only once. At baseline, both patients and HCs were required to complete the BFEIT.

Logistics: What Else Do I Need To Know

• For each session, get set up in a quiet area where you will not be interrupted. If you cant find a private area, try using earphones/buds.

• Youll get email reminders, but if you miss an ePST session, reschedule to get back on track.

• Complete all 6 sessions and carry out the between-session activities to get the most benefit.

• Your site or referring clinic may monitor your progress and safety and help is available if needed.

Also Check: How To Deal With Anxiety And Depression While Pregnant

Use Of Analogies & Metaphors

When appropriate, the use of analogies and metaphors can be useful as a method that provides the client with a clearer vision or a better understanding about specific concepts. For example, the therapist may use diverse skills or points of reference to explain the process of problem-solving and finding solutions, as well as to convey that time and practice are required before mastering a particular skill.

Results Of The Review

Twenty-two RCTs were included in the review. Sample sizes ranged from 20 to 1,801 . Fifteen out of 22 studies were rated as having above average quality. The most common reason for failing to meet the quality criteria was a lack of ITT data.

Seven studies demonstrated that PST was significantly superior to control in reducing depressive symptoms, with effects persisting up to 52 weeks in some cases. Two of the six studies comparing PST with antidepressant therapy and placebo found a combination of PST and paroxetine to significantly reduce depressive symptoms at two and 11 weeks. No significant differences were reported between multifaceted PST interventions, paroxetine and placebo therapy. Three of the five studies comparing PST with alternative interventions reported that PST was significantly superior, but one study comparing PST provided to a significant other such as a spouse and another comparing it with hospice care did not. All five studies assessing multifaceted PST reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms in favour of the intervention group. Significant effects were found in most cases to be maintained for up to 12 months.

Don’t Miss: Symptoms Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder And Depression

The Debate Over Nezu Problem Solving Therapy For Depression

Maybe you can not envision, now, what it would resemble to get up in the early morning and really feel eager to welcome a new day. Maybe you do not remember what it resembles to feel the delight life can bring getting a kick out of a favorite tune, taking pleasure in old hobbies, or giggling with friends and family. Major Depression This is what most individuals think of when they hear nezu problem solving therapy for depression depression. Its when a person really feels clinically depressed most or all of the moment. The study, which shows up in the Oct. 4, 2021, issue of Nature Medicine, stands for a landmark success in the years-long effort to apply advancements in neuroscience to the therapy of psychological disorders. Its important to get an accurate diagnosis as well as a treatment plan made to fulfill your demands.

Social Problem Solving And Psychopathology

According to this therapy approach, social problem solving is considered a key set of coping abilities and skills. SPS is defined as the cognitivebehavioral process by which individuals attempt to identify or discover effective solutions for stressful problems in living. In doing so, they direct their problem-solving efforts at altering the stressful nature of a given situation, their reactions to such situations, or both. SPS refers more to the metaprocess of understanding, appraising, and adapting to stressful life events, rather than representing a single coping strategy or activity.

Problem-solving outcomes in the real world have been found to be determined by two general but partially independent processesproblem orientation and problem-solving style.

Problem orientation refers to the set of generalized thoughts and feelings a person has concerning problems in living, as well as his or her ability to successfully resolve them. It can either be positive , which serves to enhance subsequent problem-solving efforts, or negative , which functions to inhibit attempts to solve problems.

Recommended Reading: Daily Routine To Help Depression

Alternative Treatment For Mood Conditions

Amongst the research participants, 71 web cam users reported that their major factor for using CAM was the performance of this method. The degrees of satisfaction with web cam usage have been depicted in Figure 1. As necessary, 39.82% of the individuals nezu problem solving therapy for depression showed moderate and also 38.05% revealed high fulfillment degrees. Stay clear of alcohol.Even though alcohol momentarily unwinds us, the impacts of are temporary. It can aggravate mood swings, anxiety, depression, and also sleeping disorders.

Also, both conditions impact the levels of three crucial neurotransmitters that influence mood and also movement. Social isolation nezu problem solving therapy for depression or the absence of a helpful social network that results from an extra limited lifestyle.

Comparisons Of Bfeit Performance Among The At Group Catp Group And Hc Group

As shown in Figure 2, one-way ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences in BFEIT performance among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group . Least square difference tests were performed as post hoc analyses and showed significant differences between the HC group, AT group, and CATP group . The emotion identification accuracy of the HC group was higher than that of the AT group or CATP group. However, no significant difference was observed between the AT group and the CATP group .

Figure 2. Comparisons of BFEIT performance among the AT group, CATP group, and HC group. BFEIT, basic facial emotion identification test ATG, antidepressant treatment group CATPG, the combination of antidepressant treatment and PST group HC, healthy control SD, standard deviation.

You May Like: Depression A Teen’s Guide To Survive And Thrive

Positive Reinforcement & Feedback

The therapists task in this intervention is to provide support and encouragement for efforts made in attempting to apply various problem-solving skills. The goal here is for the client to continue using more adaptive behaviors even if they do not get it right at first. Then, the therapist provides feedback so the client can explore barriers encountered and generate alternate solutions by weighing the pros and cons to continue working toward a specific goal.

Problem Solving Training For Young People With Depression: Our Active Ingredients Review

We were inspired by this finding from Cuijpers et al that problem solving therapy is as effective as evidence-based therapy packages , because problem solving is one of the coping skills that youth most frequently use in their daily lives . Learning coping and self-management skills is also a key desired outcome of depression treatment in the eyes of youth with lived experience . This got us interested in looking at problem-solving as an active ingredient of treatment for youth depression.

We conducted a scoping review that considered four clinical trials of stand-alone PST for youth depression four secondary analyses of trial data looking at problem solving as a predictor, moderator, or mediator of treatment response and 24 clinical practice guidelines for youth depression.

Our findings suggest that there is currently no strong evidence in favour of PST as a stand-alone treatment for reducing youth depression symptoms. Stand-alone PST may be beneficial for youth who face stress from challenging events or daily hassles and who struggle with problem solving, but whose mental health difficulties are relatively mild. In turn, the current evidence base suggests that youth who struggle with low mood and other depression symptoms may require broader psychotherapeutic support to recover from their depression. More high-quality research is needed to investigate the effective of problem-solving training for youth.

• youth-driven
• strengths-based

Read Also: What Not To Say To A Depressed Person