• Hamilton Ratings for Depression [ Time Frame: Measured twice a week for the first 4 weeks, then once a week for the remaining 12 weeks, and again after the first 16 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

MDD is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Different forms of psychotherapy for depression have been found effective. This study compares a form of dynamic psychotherapy called supportive-expressive psychotherapy to medication and to placebo.

Participants are evaluated on 2 occasions, 1 week apart, before they are randomly assigned to receive either supportive-expressive psychotherapy, sertraline (Zoloft) (followed by venlafaxine [Effexor] if patients do not respond to sertraline), or placebo. The active phase of treatment lasts 4 months. The frequency of patients' visits depends on the assigned treatment.

Patients who are randomized to receive medication or placebo are initially evaluated on a weekly basis, then less often, depending on the rate of symptomatic improvement. Patients who are randomized to psychotherapy are evaluated twice a week for the first 4 weeks, then once a week for the remaining 12 weeks. At the end of the first 16 weeks of treatment, patients are thoroughly evaluated. Those who have responded to treatment are assigned to a continuation phase and are seen once a month for another 16 weeks. At the end of the 16-week continuation phase, patients are again evaluated and all treatments are stopped. Follow-up continues every 3 months for up to 2 years to ensure that the patients' depression remains under control.