Study to find out how to beat the blues

A team of specially trained Massey psychologists is offering free therapy to first-time depression sufferers in Auckland as part of a collaborative international study involving Harvard University and the London Institute of Psychiatry.

The University’s Centre for Psychology will provide data from therapy sessions with volunteers, so that the team of international researchers can better understand the dynamics of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), how it alleviates depression symptoms and how it equips sufferers to avoid repeat bouts of depression.

Findings from the study could offer hope for depression sufferers, many of whom do not have access to affordable, effective treatment, says Dr Nik Kazantzis, senior lecturer and practitioner who heads the team.

Depression sufferers typically experience low mood, poor appetite, lack of energy, disturbed sleep, feelings of helplessness and guilt. They may find decision-making difficult, feel miserable when they make even the smallest mistake and generally feel life has become overwhelming.

CBT teaches people how to become their own therapists by teaching them skills so they can deal better with difficult situations and the painful emotions they trigger, says Dr Kazantzis. Volunteers are being offered 20 hour-long individual sessions to learn strategies for changing problem thoughts and behaviours.

He says CBT is a widely used, mainstream therapy developed by American-born psychiatrist Dr Aaron Beck in the 1960s. Although it has been endorsed by more than 400 studies internationally as an effective, low-cost treatment for a range of disorders, including depression, little is known about why it works.

Dr Kazantzis, who trained under Dr Beck two years ago, believes the therapy is particularly suited to New Zealanders as it offers immediate, practical help in coping with the present and does not necessarily require clients to embark on in-depth analysis of their pasts to be effective.

People can volunteer for the therapy if they have not been previously diagnosed with depression and are not taking medication that affects the brain.

About 121 million people world wide suffer from depression but fewer than 25 per cent have access to effective treatment, according to the World Health Organisation. Depression is the fourh-highest contributor to the global burden of disease, and is expected to become the second highest by 2020.

For more info about participating in the study call Nicole: 09-414-0800 ext 41252