Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Depression in Patients With Cancer

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of biobehavioral/cognitive therapy for cancer patients/survivors with major depression. II. Test for the covariation between reduction in depressive symptoms and improvements in quality of life. OUTLINE: Patients undergo cognitive behavioral therapy comprising progressive muscle relaxation training, behavioral activation, seeking information as a coping strategy, enhancing social support, cognitive reappraisal, assertive communication, changing depressive core beliefs, goal setting and planning for maintenance, and maintenance over 1 hour once weekly sessions for 12-20 weeks, biweekly sessions for 4-6 weeks, and monthly sessions for 2-3 months for a total of 16-26 sessions. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months.