3.3.3) Choice of psychological therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most widely used and evaluated psychological therapy for depression. It focuses on identifying and restructuring dysfunctional thought patterns. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in physically ill populations, but there is still a scarcity of studies in palliative care. Another therapy increasingly used in palliative care is problem-solving therapy a short, focused intervention that helps patients work out steps to resolve specific problems occurring in their lives. Though there is limited data on the efficacy of problem solving therapy, its simplicity and brevity make it a popular choice in palliative care. Other therapies that may help allevi ate depressive symptoms in palliative patients include inter- personal therapy, couple therapy, group therapy, guided