What impact does medical information have on the outcome of treatment for depression?

Using two interventions (pharmacological or psychological), this project will systematically manipulate the treatment expectations of patients with depression by providing either a biological or a psychological explanation of the disease. The 2x2 factorial design enables both factors to be investigated individually and interactively for their effect on treatment outcome and the development of side effects and discontinuation symptoms.

Recommended reading:

Kube T, Rief W, Gollwitzer M, Gaertner T, Glombiewski JA (2019) Why dysfunctional expectations in major depression persist – Results from two experimental studies investigating cognitive immunization. Psychol Med. 49 1532-1544. PubMed

Rief W, Barsky AJ, Bingel U, Doering B, Schwarting R, Wöhr M, Schweiger U (2016) Rethinking psychopharmacotherapy: The role of treatment context and brain plasticity in antidepressant and antipsychotic interventions. Neurosc & Biobehav Rev 60 51-64. PubMed

Rief W, v Lilienfeld-Toal A, Nestoriuc Y, Hofmann SG, Barsky A, Avorn J (2009) Differences in adverse effect reporting in placebo groups in SSRI and tricyclic antidepressant trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Safety. 32 1041-56. PubMed