treatment for depression

Does anyone have an opinion on the effectiveness of psychotherapy for the treatment of depression? I have been getting treatment from a pyschiatrist for depression for the last 2 years, using a cognitive behavioural approach and it's helped a little, but a friend recommended that psychoanalysis may be more helpful. Does anyone know anything about this, or would recommend it, or not?
thanks

I suffer from clinical depression and seasonal affective disorder, and for me personally seeing a psychiatrist has been the best treatment for me. I know about psychoanalysis but have never done it to treat my depression. I'm also on medication that helps as well, and for my seasonal depression use light therapy.

Another thing that has helped me with depression is exercise, it gets your endorphines going and in turn makes you feel really good...

I have had good luck with cognitive therapy and exercise for my depression. I have not had to take my medicine for a number of years. Cognitive therapy does take some effort though. I had help through Recovery, Inc., a self help group that teaches a form of cognitive therapy.
Good Luck,
Jim S

jims wrote:I have had good luck with cognitive therapy and exercise for my depression. I have not had to take my medicine for a number of years. Cognitive therapy does take some effort though. I had help through Recovery, Inc., a self help group that teaches a form of cognitive therapy.
Good Luck,
Jim S

I agree cognitive therapy does help..... just got to put your back into it abit...

Latest studies indicate that psychotherapy combined with antidepressants is the best treatment for depression. CBT is often used in the treatment of depression.

Psychoanalysis or a pschoanalytically based therapy looks at earlier important relationships in your life and how they have contributed towards your depression. Tony in the TV show the Sopranos is in a psychoanalytically based therapy. He begins therapy b/c of panic attacks/depression. This type of therapy looks to uncover the causes of his discomfort. For eg., he has a terrible mother.

You might find it interesting to go to site slate.com They have 2 psychiatrists comment on Tony's behaviour. It will also give you an idea about a psychoanalytic approach. This form of therapy takes longer. Psychoanalysis can last for years, (you go about 4-5times per week)and be quite expensive. It's the therapy for the rich . Don't make the mistake in thinking that if one goes to therapy frequently that they must be very ill. Actually, not everyone is considered to be a suitable candidate for psychoanalysis. It requires a fair amount of ego strength, the ability to deal with abstract concepts and the ability to analyze and free associate. Insurance companies are against any long term treatment b/c of cost. Problems in relationships can be helped by a psychoanalytic approach.

In psychoanalytic psychotherapy the person sees a psychiatrist 2-3x a week and sits across from the doctor.

I