Cognitive behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy for depression

In this study, we will compare the effectiveness and change processes in two psychological treatment approaches that are widespread in public and private mental health care in Norway, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). The comparison will be done through a randomized controlled trial. The main objective will be to investigate whether the treatment method EFT has a similar effect on the treatment of depression as CBT.

There is a need for more knowledge about what works for whom in psychological treatment of depression. We lack scientific knowledge about what characterizes treatment treatments that have good and bad outcomes. Increased knowledge about who benefits from what, are important to contribute to better selection of which patients should be offered different treatment approaches, and in this way contribute to increased cost-effectiveness and better prioritization within mental health care. In this study, we want to investigate what characterizes processes that give satisfactory and less satisfactory outcomes within and across the conditions.

In the study, we will examine treatment effect, patient experiences and change processes for patients with moderate depression who participate in the intervention “Work-oriented treatment”. The intervention is a short-term treatment offer in the public mental health care and is aimed at people with depression and anxiety who experience a reduction in work ability. We will collect quantitative data in the form of self-report and analysis of video recordings of therapy courses. In addition, we will collect qualitative data in the form of interviews where we map user experiences among the involved patients.