How effective is problem-solving therapy in treating depression?

Kevin Mangelschots·09/06/2025·0 comments

Problem-solving therapy is quite effective for treating depression, remarkably mild to moderately depressed individuals.

Meta-analyses (studies of studies) consistently find that PST extensively lowers depressive symptoms compared to no treatment or placebo.

- For example, Bell and D’Zurilla (2009) reviewed multiple trials and found that PST had a moderate to large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.54–0.84) in reducing depression.

(In research, a Cohen’s d of 0.5 is considered moderate; 0.8 is large — so that’s a solid effect.)

- In a randomized controlled trial, Areán and colleagues (2010) compared PST to antidepressant medication (citalopram) in older adults with major depression.

- PST was just as helpful as medication in reducing depressive symptoms after 12 weeks.

- Another study by Alexopoulos et al. (2011) discovered that PST diminished depression and improved executive function in elderly patients with cognitive impairment, meaning it helps even when depression is complicated by memory and thinking problems.

How does PST’s effectiveness compare to other therapies?

PST vs. cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is still considered the “gold standard” for depression, but PST performs similarly to CBT in many studies, especially when it comes to treating people with fewer resources, chronic illness, or who need short-term interventions.

PST vs. medication

As mentioned above, PST can be equally effective as antidepressants for many people with mild-to-moderate depression, without the side effects.

PST combined with other treatments

PST is often used with medication or other therapies to boost effectiveness in more severe or treatment-resistant cases.

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Kevin

Hi there, I’m Kevin Mangelschots! A little more about myself: - I'm 33 years old. - I’m a registered, licensed, and practicing therapist with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. - Currently practicing at a rehabilitation center located in Belgium. Longtime fitness and gaming enthusiast. - Turned towards psychology, philosophy, mental health, and self-improvement to improve my chronic depression. - My goal is to share evidence-based information with the world that I know is helpful and useful to improve depression and overall well-being. In short, I’m just a guy trying to make sense of the world by thinking about ideas, studying psychology, philosophy, and mental and physical health. I strive to apply my degree in healthcare (occupational therapy) to explain concepts as clearly as possible, based on current research findings.