Evaluating Quantitative Evidence Discussion

Consider a focused PICOT-style question of interest to you, relative to your professional field or setting. Please include this question in your discussion. Locate and post an article from the literature that provides quantitative evidence to address this question. Please answer each of the following questions in your initial post:
Are the study results valid? Discuss any bias evident in this study.
What are the results? Focus on the reliability of the study and instruments.
Will the results help me in caring for my patients (or clients or staff)? Please explain.

For this discussion:

Initial post: 300 words
References required: 1

PICOT question – article must be peer reviewed

Question Type:

Intervention

P: Adults with severe and recurrent depression

I: Psychotherapy

C: Abilify (antidepressant)

O: Decrease of depression symptoms

T: A year
Question: In adults with severe and recurrent symptoms of depression, is psychotherapy more effective than Abilify to reduce depression symptoms within a year?

Rubric
M5 Evaluating Quantitative Evidence Discussion Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeKnowledge of the subject matter
15 to >13.48 pts
A
Initial post brings forth new or expanded ideas that reflect high-level critical thinking on the topic and demonstrate practical application.
13.48 to >11.98 pts
B
Initial post illustrates good knowledge of the topic, but includes limited application or expansion on ideas.
11.98 to >10.48 pts
C
Initial post illustrates basic knowledge of the topic without applying or expanding ideas.
10.48 to >0 pts
F
Initial post displays only a minimal grasp of the concepts covered. Does not expand upon the central concepts.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvidence of research
15 to >13.48 pts
A
Initial post applies research to support and extend all ideas, and includes proper citations.
13.48 to >11.98 pts
B
Initial post applies some research to support and extend ideas, and includes some citations.
11.98 to >10.48 pts
C
Initial post includes minimal research to support ideas, and fails to provide citations.
10.48 to >0 pts
F
Initial post lacks supporting research.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResponse to others
15 to >13.48 pts
A
Responses clearly support or refute the initial postings and further the discussion with critical analysis.
13.48 to >11.98 pts
B
Responses support or refute initial postings with adequate discussion, but critical analysis to further the discussion is limited.
11.98 to >10.48 pts
C
Responses support or refute the initial postings with limited discussion and without furthering the discussion through critical analysis.
10.48 to >0 pts
F
Does not refer to the posting directly, or simply agrees or disagrees without explanation.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar, punctuation, spelling
15 to >13.48 pts
A
Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling were used throughout the discussion posts.
13.48 to >11.98 pts
B
Discussion posts contained a few minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
11.98 to >10.48 pts
C
Discussion posts contained several errors in grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling.
10.48 to >0 pts
F
Discussion posts contain substantial errors in grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTimeliness
7.5 to >6.74 pts
A
Initial posting completed by Wednesday and response to others posted by Sunday.
6.74 to >5.99 pts
B
Initial posting completed by Thursday and response to others posted by Sunday.
5.99 to >5.24 pts
C
Initial posting completed after Thursday OR response to others posted after Sunday.
5.24 to >0 pts
F
Initial posting after Thursday AND response to others posted after Sunday.
7.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength of posts
7.5 to >6.74 pts
A
Length requirements for the initial post and response post were met.
6.74 to >5.99 pts
B
Length requirements were met for the initial post, but not for response post.
5.99 to >5.24 pts
C
Length requirements were not met for the initial post, but they were for the response post.
5.24 to >0 pts
F
Length requirements for discussion posts were not met.
7.5 pts

ANSWER

Recurrent and Severe Depression in Adults

Most adults dealing with major depressive disorders require different treatment techniques to achieve remission. A person is said to be in depression after being diagnosed with a disease associated with high co-morbidity. The condition usually impacts the person significantly, primarily mental and social interaction. A person suffering from depression could reach a point of self-inflicting pain, harm, and sometimes suicide due to mental instability. After medication, most patients suffering from depression disorders require psychotherapy to achieve complete remission.

Psychotherapy

Most patients suffering from depressive disorders also present high comorbid anxiety symptoms that are significantly considered during treatment. Psychotherapy considers the anxiety symptoms due to the risks associated with the possibility of failing to treat one condition. A patient with both anxiety and depression requires both disorders handled to achieve complete remission.

During psychotherapy, depression is presented by the therapist as a natural consequence of coping with daily life-shifting contexts and not as something inside the client. Patients are coached on engaging in more life-rewarding activities to avoid feeling skill deficits and distorted thinking. Psychotherapy involves positive thinking and avoiding anything that makes a patient feel inferior and vulnerable. The two primary approaches are behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. According to Cuijpers et al., 2020 after 36072 patients involved in 366 random clinical trials, psychotherapy is significantly essential to achieve remission for adults with depressive disorders.

Antidepressants

Depression and anxiety disorders can be relieved by medications called antidepressants, depending on the stage of the condition. Antidepressants mainly aim to balance the imbalance brain neurotransmitters believed to control behavior and mood changes. In the last 20 years’ antidepressants have become progressively common due to the significant increase in depression and anxiety disorder, mainly among adults.

Different antidepressants work by balancing other chemicals in the brain. Due to the different types of depression, antidepressants are available according to the various variables of depression conditions and stages. Most SSRIs are the commonly prescribed antidepressants for balancing serotonin in the brain, which plays depression. SSRIs fight depression by reducing brain reuptake of serotonin.

However, SSRIs antidepressants are associated with side effects like dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, constipation, and fatigue. Additionally, the SSRI antidepressants do not work for some patients due to unknown reasons leading to the use of TCAs. Some TCAs antidepressants are used to help quit smoking.

Decreased depression symptoms

After effect psychotherapy and ingestion of antidepressants, patients display happier faces and stop getting easily irritated. A therapist usually notes openness in conversation with previously depressed clients making interaction and conversing easier. People once suffering from depression become significantly friendly with a decrease in depression. Depression leads to a lack of interest in usual activities, hobbies, and lack of sleep which increases with decrease with depression. A reduction in depression will also be noted with less frustration and anger outbursts over minor issues, unlike during depression.

Effectiveness of Psychotherapy and Antidepressants.

Psychotherapy seems more effective in adults since patients can overcome the burdens in their minds by expressing feelings with the therapist. A therapist also gives assurance and ways to divert burdens to patients, leading to self-appreciation and raising self-esteem. Psychotherapy helps a more significant percentage of patients deal with depression even after failed antidepressants ingestion.

References

Pim Cuijpers, P. D. (2020, July 1). Psychotherapy for depression across different age groups. JAMA Psychiatry. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2762981