An Outcome Study Includes Three Groups of Depressed Clients

question 49

Multiple Choice

An outcome study includes three groups of depressed clients. Group I receives an SSRI along with cognitive therapy. Group II receives only an SSRI. Finally, Group III receives a placebo. All groups complete a paper-and-pencil inventory of depressive symptoms both at the outset of the study and at its conclusion. Depressive symptoms are reduced among all three groups. However, the reduction is greater for Group I than for Group II, and for Group II as compared to Group III. Which of the following conclusions is INCORRECT

• A)The difference between Groups I and II reflects a nonspecific treatment effect.
• B)The contribution of natural improvement to the present results remains unknown.
• C)Cognitive therapy is mainly responsible for the fact that the improvement in Group I was greater than that in Group II.
• D)Placebo effects may be partly responsible for Group I's improvement.

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Definitions:

Maximum Life Span

The upper boundary of life expectancy for an organism, representing the greatest age an individual of a species can live under ideal conditions.

Prefrontal Regions

Areas of the frontal lobes of the brain responsible for complex behaviors including decision making, planning, and moderating social behavior.

Cerebellar Regions

Areas within the cerebellum, a part of the brain that plays a vital role in motor control, and can also be involved in cognitive functions.

Hippocampal Regions

Areas within the brain's medial temporal lobe, crucial for memory formation and spatial navigation.