ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of psychotherapy both as a treatment for existing depression and as a prophylactic measure to prevent this complication. The empirical data regarding the indications for or the efficacy of specific psychotherapeutic treatments for medical patients. Therefore, the discussion in the chapter is based on clinical observations and experience, and on extrapolations from nonmedical samples. It emphasizes the specific characteristics of psychodynamic and cognitive therapies for depression. The chapter discusses psychodynamic and cognitive approaches toward the treatment of milder forms of depression in the medically ill. It draws attention to several psychotherapeutic interventions that may be used to treat or prevent depression in the medically ill. Whereas pharmacological treatment is most effective for patients with more severe depressions, particularly those that are biologically autonomous, psychotherapy may be indicated for those who are less severely depressed or who are at risk of becoming depressed.
