Comparative effectiveness of psychotherapy vs antidepressants for depression in heart failure

About The Study: In this comparative effectiveness trial of behavioral activation psychotherapy (BA) and antidepressant medication management (MEDS) in 416 patients with heart failure experiencing depression, both treatments significantly reduced depressive symptoms by nearly 50% with no statistically significant differences between treatments. BA recipients experienced better physical health-related quality of life, fewer emergency department visits, and fewer days hospitalized. The study findings suggest that patients with heart failure could be given the choice between BA or MEDS to ameliorate depression.

Authors: Waguih William IsHak, M.D., of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, is the corresponding author. 

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(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.52094)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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