What is the recommended percentage of patients with depression who benefit from psychotherapy as a priority treatment?

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AIIMS NORCET 8 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2025

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Answer 1

Correct Answer: 30-40%

Rationale:

Psychotherapy is an evidence-based treatment modality for depression that can significantly improve outcomes for patients. According to clinical studies, approximately 30-40% of patients with depression benefit from psychotherapy when it is implemented as a priority treatment.
This percentage reflects the group of patients who experience notable improvement in symptoms and overall functioning due to psychotherapy, compared to other approaches like medication or self-help strategies.
Psychotherapy approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy, are tailored to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to depression.
The efficacy of psychotherapy may vary based on individual factors, including the severity of depression, comorbid conditions, and the patient's engagement and adherence to therapy sessions.

Explanation of Other Options:

10-20%

Rationale: This percentage is too low and does not align with the evidence from clinical studies. While some patients may experience only marginal benefits from psychotherapy, the majority of patients achieve more significant improvements.

50-60%

Rationale: While psychotherapy is effective, this percentage is slightly higher than what studies typically report. Combining psychotherapy with other treatments like medication may yield benefits for a larger proportion of patients, but psychotherapy alone generally benefits around 30-40%.

70-80%

Rationale: This percentage is overly optimistic and does not reflect realistic expectations from psychotherapy as a standalone treatment for depression. Higher success rates may be achieved through combined treatment modalities (e.g., psychotherapy plus pharmacotherapy).

Conclusion:

Psychotherapy is a highly effective treatment for a significant proportion of patients with depression, with clinical studies supporting a benefit rate of approximately 30-40%. It is important to recognize that individual responses to therapy can vary and that combining psychotherapy with other treatment approaches may enhance outcomes for many patients.