Psychotherapy vs Antidepressants for Depression in Heart Failure Patients
Should Heart Failure Patients with Depression Choose Therapy or Medication?
A landmark comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open examined whether behavioral activation psychotherapy (BA) or antidepressant medication management (MEDS) is more effective for patients with heart failure experiencing depression. This study of 416 adults found that both treatments produced nearly 50% reduction in depressive symptoms at 3, 6, and 12 months, with no statistically significant differences between treatments. However, behavioral activation recipients experienced superior physical health outcomes, including improved quality of life, fewer emergency department visits, and fewer hospitalization days.