Posted by Racer on September 18, 2007, at 3:41:31
In reply to How long into therapy can you see progress?, posted by girlnterrupted78 on September 16, 2007, at 22:41:53
> How long into a therapy can you objectively see antidepressant effects?
>
> Seems like in the antidepressant forums, actual results are the topic of choice, while in therapy, more trouble with Ts gets discussed. But what about actual results from therapy? Is there such a thing?
>It's hard to say, in part because the results of therapy are very different from the results of effective antidepressants. Antidepressants, when they work, improve your mood, which in theory may improve your functioning. Therapy, though, is about improving your functioning -- in hopes that will improve your mood.
I was in therapy for a couple of years earlier in my life -- twenty or so years ago, now. That improved things a lot for me, although obviously not enough to keep me out of the abyss. I've been in therapy with my current T for just over two years now, and I am aware of a great deal of improvement in my functioning. Am I depressed? Well, see, I'm also medicated pretty heavily, which controls the worst of the depression. Am I still sub-optimal? Oh, you betcha.
Depression is one of those things that warps and twists you on many levels. Most people with depression will learn to behave in ways that probably contribute to our depression. Therapy is aimed at discovering those maladaptive behaviors, so that they can be replaced by more adaptive behaviors. Even in someone who has 100% biochemical based depression, there will be some maladaptive attitudes and behaviors which can be improved through therapy.
I don't want to say too much here, but I wonder if you've read through some of your replies on this thread and the one before it? I'm thinking it might be beneficial for you to examine some of what you've written here. If it's similar to what happens in your therapy sessions, it might be worth examining some of these posts in a bit of detail, maybe even taking them in to a session with your T to discuss them.
It's late, I've got to be up early, so I'm done now. Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:783392
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070916/msgs/783673.html