Combined Interventions for Treating Depression and Chronic Back Pain

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and eliminating maladaptive beliefs and thoughts.

Antidepressant drugs try to eliminate symptoms of depression such as persistent sadness and disinterest in normal or pleasurable activities.

Problem solving therapy identifies problems that interfere with everyday functions and that contribute to depression and disability. The treatment then provides compensatory strategies that are designed to bypass the person's cognitive limitations and to improve adaptive functioning in the home environment.