Behavioural activation: self-help options for depression
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Behavioural activation: self-help options for depression

Ben Parkinson Cognitive behaviour therapist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Cognitive behaviour therapy has overshadowed this intervention, but the evidence so far points to it being a possible alternative, says Ben Parkinson

Mental health professionals are increasingly expected to deliver evidence-based psychological therapies for common mental health problems. Behavioural activation (BA) is one such therapy that can treat depression effectively, but it appears to have been under-used as a self-help or guided self-help intervention. This article summarises current literature on the use of BA as a self-help intervention. It suggests that the current empirical evidence-base might need expanding before the use of BA can confidently be advocated as a self-help intervention for depression.

Mental Health Practice. 18, 3, 34-35. doi: 10.7748/mhp.18.3.34.e955

Correspondence

ben.parkinson@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Conflict of interest

None declared

Received: 26 November 2013

Accepted: 03 March 2014

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