Addressing economic stress in the treatment of depression

Abstract

This study investigates the importance of addressing issues of economic stress in standardized treatments for major depression. Using a sample from the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program, the study found high levels of patient introduction of economic stress topics, with relatively high levels of therapist approach of this material. There was significant evidence for a positive association between therapist approach of these economic stress topics and outcome. There was very little evidence for socioeconomic status differences in any of these findings.