Comparing the Efficacy of Antidepressant Medications vs Psychotherapy for Managing Depression in Major Depressive Disorder

Tanush Anand

Abstract: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is an impairing mental illness that significantly affects people's emotional, thinking, and physical abilities. Proper treatment is what is needed. The most frequent treatments are antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This review contrasts the effectiveness of antidepressants and psychotherapy in the treatment of MDD. Research has established that both treatments are effective in reducing symptoms of depression, particularly in severe and moderate cases. Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are usually quicker to make relief evident and thus are used for those who need to be treated immediately. Psychotherapy is usually associated with longer-term benefits and lower rates of relapse, especially where it is aimed at addressing the underlying thought and behavioral patterns. Most patients, especially those with resistant depression or chronic depression, respond more to combination therapy. Other things to consider include patient preference, symptom severity, availability of treatment, and comorbidities. The review also speaks about the biological and psychological determinants of treatment outcomes and underscores the necessity for treatment individualization. Though both therapies are beneficial, effectiveness could differ with patient case and treatment settings. Subsequent studies would aim to characterize biomarkers and predictive clinical variables for treatment response for enhancing clinical decision-making.

Keywords: Depression, Psychotherapy, Anti-depressants, Major depressive disorder

How to Cite?: Tanush Anand, "Comparing the Efficacy of Antidepressant Medications vs Psychotherapy for Managing Depression in Major Depressive Disorder", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 524-527, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251008193955, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251008193955