Case study to evaluate effectiveness of a treatment approach for major depression

This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a therapeutic intervention with an adult diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. A case study design was used to evaluate treatment for an adult male diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Opioid Dependence in Early Full Remission. The subject voluntarily participated in individual psychotherapy, was given the Beck Depression Inventory during the fourth and final sessions, completed a satisfaction survey during the final session and self-reported his substance use throughout his time in psychotherapy. The literature review indicated that the three psychotherapy modalities were most effective in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder are: behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (which was used to treat this client), and interpersonal therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were found to be the most highly recommended class of medications for those suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. Those with moderate to severe depression should be given medication and psychotherapy, while psychotherapy alone can be used with those with mild to moderate levels of depression. Methadone is a more effective method of treating heroin use, when supplemented with psychotherapy. The agency in which this client was seen should have had a shorter waiting period for both psychotherapy and psychiatric consultations