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Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications are often used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). After examining the existing research on the treatment of MDD, a study was conducted using a vignette methodology to determine if there is a decreased rate of symptoms for patients who are currently being treated for MDD by a mental health professional utilizing CBT and antidepressant interventions. The study explored the effectiveness of CBT in reducing depressive symptoms when antidepressants alone had limited efficacy. The target population included adult patients experiencing MDD, with some presenting additional challenges such as cultural barriers, difficult diagnoses, and medication compliance issues. The research study’s participants were three patients who were receiving treatment at an outpatient counseling facility and exhibited resistance to MDD treatment despite taking antidepressants. Factors that could have created this resistance were analyzed as part of the study. Each patient’s unique circumstances and treatment plans were also analyzed. After reviewing the study’s data, the research indicated that although there were some regressions or setbacks during treatment, CBT was able to reduce symptoms of MDD for patients who still had symptoms after taking antidepressant medication.

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