Depression in Marriage: What is the Best Treatment?

Traditional treatments for depression such as anti‐depressant medication and individual psychotherapy are being supplemented by treatments which involve partners and spouses. Preliminary trials of marital therapy in the United States show that it is a very effective treatment for depression when there is conflict or distress in the marriage. Describes a treatment trial which is being conducted in London and which will compare directly the effect of drug treatment, individual cognitive therapy and marital therapy on the immediate outcome and longer‐term course of depressive episodes. For many employers it will be advantageous to have a range of options for dealing with the depressed employee rather than making a routine referral to the GP.