Problem-Solving Therapy

Social problem-solving therapy (PST) is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that is an efficacious treatment for depression. According to this model, depression is multifaceted, the result of an interaction between daily stress, major life events, weak coping skills, and depressive affect (Nezu: see Figure 1). People most vulnerable to depression either have inadequate problem-solving skills or problem-solving skills that are not being used because they feel unable to change their situation. According to PST, the ideal way to intervene in this depression-producing cycle is to teach patients how to mobilize their coping resources and begin tackling the problems in their lives. Once they begin to solve problems, depression lifts and the motivation to face other problems increases.