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Letter: Curing depression

Published 27 April 2011

From Ruth Ashbee

The cover story on novel ways of treating disorders of the brain (9 April, p 35) stated that “until recently the only treatments available… were drugs or surgery”, and these disorders were implied to include depression. This is a common and damaging misconception.

There are other, well-researched treatments for depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, CBT has been shown to be as effective as drugs in many cases. It also has fewer side effects.

Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK

Issue no. 2810 published 30 April 2011

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