This therapist may be the general practitioner, a clinical psychologist, a specialist psychotherpist or a clinical counsellor. Psychotherapy may be brief or more long term. It may sometimes involve the patient's family. Some psychologists use behaviour therapy. In depression, a vicious circle can occur.
Negative thoughts lead to a depression which makes the sufferer unable to carry out everyday tasks.
This in turn leads to more negative thoughts. Cognitive therapy seeks to break this circle by encouraging and supporting the depressed person to carry out simple tasks first. Successful accomplishment increases confidence and helps to break the vicious circle. Many depressions may be helped by psychological treatments. In severe or prolonged depressions, drug treatment may be required.