Sequential Therapy: Adding Psychotherapy After Antidepressants Reduces Relapse Risk
Does adding therapy after antidepressants prevent relapse?
Yes. Adding psychotherapy after antidepressant response reduces relapse risk by approximately 16%, allowing patients to potentially discontinue medication while maintaining better protection than medication alone. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized clinical trials with 2,283 participants found that sequential integration of psychotherapy following medication response was associated with significantly reduced risk of relapse and recurrence.
Sequential therapy works by providing patients with lasting coping skills and addressing residual symptoms after medication achieves initial response, creating better long-term protection than medication maintenance alone.