Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression, part X: Reducing the risk of relapse

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found effective for the treatment of depression. Nonetheless, many clients who respond to treatment are still vulnerable to relapse during the months following remission. It is important for therapists to be aware of the temporal patterns often seen in patients following recovery from depression so they can use strategies designed to reduce the risk of relapse or recurrence. Relapse prevention strategies focus on helping clients: 1) identify high risk situations, 2) develop specific coping strategies to deal with emotional distress, 3) deliberately seek and confront difficult situations, 4) cope with feeling overwhelmed, 5) expand and refine their coping skills, 6) enhance their feelings of self- confidence, and 7) anticipate and prepare for a lapse. These strategies provide much help in maintaining the gains that had been obtained through the earlier treatment efforts.