Overview
What is it?
Problem Solving Therapy (PST) is a structured psychological intervention designed to help individuals develop effective problem-solving skills to manage everyday challenges. It is particularly useful for addressing depression by teaching individuals to identify, evaluate, and solve problems in a constructive way. PST is not naturally occurring but is a therapeutic approach often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments .
How does it work?
PST works by guiding individuals through a series of steps to tackle problems that contribute to their depression. These steps typically include identifying the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution, choosing the best option, and implementing it. By improving problem-solving skills, PST helps individuals feel more in control of their lives, reducing feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that are common in depression .
What are the benefits?
PST has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms by helping individuals manage and solve problems that contribute to their depression. It is particularly effective for older adults, individuals with mild cognitive impairment, and those with executive dysfunction. PST also improves problem-solving skills and reduces avoidance behaviors, which are often linked to depressive symptoms .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research indicates that PST is effective in managing depression, especially in older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Studies have shown moderate to large effect sizes in reducing depressive symptoms. For example, one study found that 80% of participants in the PST group moved out of the 'depressed' category after five weeks of therapy . PST has also been shown to be as effective as other psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for mild to moderate depression .
Side Effects
No significant side effects reported
PST is generally considered safe, and most studies do not report significant side effects. It is a non-invasive therapy that focuses on skill-building rather than medication, making it a low-risk option for managing depression .
Potential for mild discomfort during therapy
Some individuals may experience mild discomfort or frustration during the problem-solving process, especially when confronting difficult or emotionally charged problems. However, this is typically temporary and part of the therapeutic process .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Emotion-regulation strategies across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review.
This meta-analysis examines the relationship between emotion-regulation strategies and psychopathology, including depression. Problem-solving is identified as a medium to large effect size strategy for managing internalizing disorders like depression.
View study[2] Psychological treatments for depression and anxiety in dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
This review explores the effectiveness of PST in reducing depressive symptoms in individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. PST is highlighted as a beneficial intervention for improving problem-solving skills and reducing depressive symptoms.
View study[3] Depression in older adults.
This review discusses PST as an evidence-based treatment for depression in older adults. It highlights the structured nature of PST and its effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms in this population.
View study[4] Psychotherapy for depression in adults: a meta-analysis of comparative outcome studies.
This meta-analysis compares the efficacy of different psychotherapies for depression, including PST. It finds that PST is as effective as other therapies for mild to moderate depression, with lower drop-out rates.
View study[5] Psychological interventions for parents of children and adolescents with chronic illness.
This review examines the benefits of PST for improving parent mental health, including reducing depressive symptoms. It highlights the structured steps of PST and its effectiveness in reducing emotional distress.
View study[6] Smartphone Psychotherapy Reduces Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Fully Decentralized Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (J-SUPPORT 1703 Study).
This clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of PST delivered via a smartphone app in reducing depressive symptoms among breast cancer survivors. The study found significant improvements in depression scores.
View study[7] Identification and treatment of depressive disorders in older adults with cancer.
This review discusses the use of PST for managing depression in older adults, particularly those with executive dysfunction. It highlights the effectiveness of PST in improving problem-solving skills and reducing depressive symptoms.
View study[8] Effects of Problem Solving Therapy in Substance Use Disorder in Adolescents.
This clinical study examines the effectiveness of PST in reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents with substance use disorders. It found significant reductions in depression scores after five weeks of PST.
View study