Evaluation of a Male-specific Psychotherapeutic Program for Major Depressive Disorders

The MSPP for MDD is designed to be used for the acute treatment of depression in men in 18 sessions over a period of 18 weeks. Therapy is delivered weekly with homework bridging every session. Central CBT elements (e.g. behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring) will be retained in MSPP. During implementation of typical CBT techniques, masculine role norms will be considered. One underlying topic will be the potential of multiple masculinities to coexist, being fluid and relational within one man, emphasizing positive aspects of masculinities compatible with psychotherapy for MDD.

This intervention consists of 18 sessions of manualized, standard cognitive behavioral therapy for major depression. Therapy is delivered weekly with homework bridging every session.