COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND PHARMACOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is among the most prevalent and disabling mental health conditions worldwide, contributing substantially to global disease burden and impaired quality of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and antidepressant pharmacotherapy are two of the most extensively researched and widely implemented evidence-based treatments for depression. Despite decades of research, debate continues regarding their relative effectiveness, speed of response, durability of treatment effects, and suitability for different patient populations. The present meta-analytic review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials and existing meta-analyses that directly compare CBT and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of adult depression. Findings indicate that CBT and antidepressant medication demonstrate comparable efficacy in the acute treatment of depression, with no consistent superiority of one modality over the other. Pharmacotherapy may be associated with faster initial symptom relief, while CBT appears to confer greater long-term benefits, particularly in relapse prevention. Importantly, combined treatment frequently yields superior outcomes, especially for individuals with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of personalized treatment planning that incorporates symptom severity, patient preferences, and long-term outcomes.