Psychotherapy vs Antidepressants for Depression in Heart Failure Patients
Should heart failure patients with depression choose therapy or medication?
Both behavioral activation psychotherapy and antidepressants are equally effective, reducing depression by approximately 50%. However, behavioral activation recipients experienced 27-38% fewer emergency department visits and 17-36% fewer days hospitalized compared to medication recipients. A randomized clinical trial of 416 adults with heart failure and depression published in JAMA Network Open found behavioral activation provides superior physical health outcomes.
Behavioral activation works by promoting engagement in personalized activities that improve mood without adding medication burden. Antidepressants work by balancing neurotransmitter levels to reduce depressive symptoms.