Riggs Et Al: Combined Treatment

Question 1

Aim?

Answer 1

To evaluate the effect of fluoxetine vs placebo in combination with CBT on depression, substance abuse disorder and conduct disorder (antisocial behaviour).

Question 2

Method?

Answer 2

• Independent measures, randomised controlled study

* CBT directed at substance abuse rather than depression

Question 3

PPs?

Answer 3

126 adolescents with diagnosed depression

Also had a diagnosed conduct disorder and substance abuse disorder

Question 4

Procedure?

Answer 4

PPs spent 16 weeks being treated with either:

1. Fluoxetine and a course of CBT directed at dealing with substance abuse
2. Placebo and a course of CBT directed at substance abuse

Question 5

Results?

Answer 5

• Combination of fluoxetine and CBT had greatest results
• fluoxetine and CBT weren’t associated with less substance abuse and less conduct disorder
• CBT focussing on substance abuse may have contributed to the mixed effectiveness findings

Question 6

Strengths?

Answer 6

• independent measures=no order effects
• randomised and controlled= supports PAS
• 16 weeks= detailed data
• holistic+ontogenic= acknowledges many different factors

Question 7

Weaknesses?

Answer 7

• independent measures= pp variables
• all adolescents= lower population validity
• unethical as not biologically treating some participants

Question 8

Cognitive?

Answer 8

Important to focus on changing a patients behaviour as well as changing their maladaptive thoughts