Moderate depression and anxiety are treated as well with psychotherapy as medication, but the benefits of therapy last longer, concludes a review of scientific research. INESSS, a body which advises the government of the province of Quebec, found that psychotherapy does better at preventing a relapse into moderate depression and anxiety.
One in five Canadians will suffer from some mental illness over the course of their lives and doctors most often to prescribe medication to treat it.
While Canada has a public health care system for all citizens, in Quebec and elsewhere access to psychotherapy is limited and often involves long wait times. INESSS suggests it would save money in the long run to improve access to psychotherapy for those suffering from moderate depression and anxiety.
However, the study says people suffering from severe symptoms are best treated with a combination of drugs and psychotherapy.
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