Therapeutic reactance as a predictor of outcome in the treatment of chronic depression.

Author(s): Arnow BA, Manber R, Blasey C, Klein DN, Blalock JA, Markowitz JC, Rothbaum BO, Rush AJ, Thase ME, Riso LP, Vivian D, McCullough JP Jr, Keller MB

Affiliation(s): Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305-5722, USA. arnow@stanford.edu

Publication date & source: 2003-12, J Consult Clin Psychol., 71(6):1025-35.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study ; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

This study examined whether reactance would negatively influence treatment outcome in 347 patients diagnosed with chronic forms of depression and treated at 9 sites with either Nefazodone, cognitive-behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP), or combination therapy. Contrary to our hypotheses, reactance positively predicted treatment outcome in CBASP on 2 of 4 scales. These effects were independent of the therapeutic alliance, which also positively predicted outcome. Reactance did not predict outcome in the groups receiving medication alone or in combination with CBASP. The findings suggest that reactance may be an asset in psychotherapy among chronically depressed individuals and that reactant patients can benefit from directive psychotherapy when therapists flexibly respond to perturbations in the therapeutic relationship. Results support the importance of Aptitude * Treatment interactions in psychotherapy outcome. The direction and significance of such interactions may vary with different forms of psychopathology. (c) 2003 APA