PROCESS ANALYSES AND PREDICTION OF TREATM ENT OUTCOME OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPY OF NONENDOGENOUS UNIPOLAR DEPRESSION

The purpose of this study was to identify variables that predict recov ery of unipolar depression after drug treatment, cognitive behavior th erapy or a combination of both. Information regarding severity, chroni city, and symptom patterns of depression, self-control, treatment expe ctation, and reduction of symptomatology was collected in 191 unipolar depressed in- and out-patients. Virtually no variable (not even treat ment expectation) demonstrated a significant predictive effect for res ponse at termination and at follow-up. All three treatments (pharmacot herapy, behavior therapy, combination treatment) showed similiar chang e patterns and all were efficient in reducing somatic, cognitive, and affective symptoms. Treatment responder and continueous remitted subje cts couls be identified after two weeks of treatment according to thei r early symptom reductions. Early significant change in symptomatology seems to be an important response predictor.