Depleted Resources and Chronic Stress

Abstract

There is a well-established relationship between number and severity of stressful life events and the onset of depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression should include relevant evaluation of chronic stressors and skill building related to garnering available resources. This clinical case study illustrates the use of a CBT approach to treating depression in an individual with a complicated history of life stressors. An adult woman with recurrent major depressive disorder sought treatment at a university-based psychology training clinic and received outpatient individual psychotherapy on a weekly basis. Therapeutic progress was evaluated through self-reported depression and anxiety symptom change, therapist observation of affect, and client and therapist assessment of progress toward therapeutic goals. This case highlights several key factors to consider when providing outpatient psychotherapy to address symptoms of depression in adults with severely depleted resources, particularly bolstering the utilization of social support.