Cognitive therapy makes the assumption that thoughts precede moods and that false self-beliefs lead to negative emotions. Cognitive therapy aims to help the patient recognize and reassess his patterns of negative thinking and replace them with positive thoughts that more closely reflect reality.

Studies have shown that cognitive therapy can be just as effective in treating depression as antidepressants.

• Learn More About Cognitive Therapy

Related Articles:

• Cognitive Therapy Is Best for Depression
• Strategies for Coping With Your Negative Thoughts
• Cognitive Therapy Works
• Cognitive Therapy Self-Help Guide

From the forum: "Someone please help! I think that not wanting sex is a symptom of depression. Does anyone else have this problem? I do not care about sex. I used to. I just got a prescription for lexapro and since a lots of meds have sexual side effects I'm scared that this may make my situation worse. My boyfriend is very frustrated about this and does not understand. He understands my depression because he has it too, but he does not understand not wanting sex. Any suggestions, info. etc.?"

Many of those with depression resort to alcohol as a form of self-medication. Has your alcohol use slipped out of your control? The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) is one of the most widely used tools for assessing alcohol abuse. It is a 25-item questionnaire designed to provide a rapid and effective screening for alcohol-related problems and alcoholism.

"I guess there is alot of controversy over this one... I've heard they work best together, but can one substitute for the other? If anyone is knowledgeable in this field, I'd really like to know how these two work to help the same condition - depression. Some I've heard say talk therapy can work satisfactorily to help brain chemicals, while some say you need meds. Any opinions?"--JJRFOR