The Impact of Psychological Interventions on Psychometric and Immunological Measures in Patients With Major Depression

The interest of the investigation is to compare the impact of CBT combined with exercise, CBT combined with euthymic therapy and CBASP on depression and further psychopathological variables (assessed at 5 points). Previous findings indicate increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in depression. A bidirectional relationship between depression and immunological alterations has been suggested: On the one hand pro-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to depression, on the other hand depression-linked changes (e.g. a reduction of activity, increased stress-sensitivity) may lead to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, this study is also supposed to investigate the influence of above mentioned interventions on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using a waiting group, potential changes in psychometric and biological parameters without any intervention are controlled. Assessments take place at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment, after 16 weeks of treatment and 6 months follow up. 200 patients with Major Depression (DSM IV, BDI II at baseline ≥18) will be included. Patients will be randomized and assigned to one of the 4 groups.