The Focus on Neuroscience Box "Comparing Psychotherapy and Antidepressant Medication

question 158

Multiple Choice

The Focus on Neuroscience box "Comparing Psychotherapy and Antidepressant Medication" describes a study that compared psychotherapy and antidepressant medication as treatments for major depressive disorder. What broad conclusion can be drawn from the results of this study?

• A) Antidepressant medication is a more effective treatment for major depressive disorder than psychotherapy.
• B) Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for major depressive disorder than antidepressant medication.
• C) Both antidepressant medication and psychotherapy affect brain activity and improve clinical symptoms of major depressive disorder.
• D) Antidepressant medication relieves the symptoms of major depressive disorder and normalizes brain activity in a much shorter time than psychotherapy, with longer-lasting effects.

---

Definitions:

Inflation

A rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.

Debt to GDP Ratio

A measure of a country's debt compared to its Gross Domestic Product, indicative of the country's ability to pay back its debt.

Developed Nations

Countries with advanced industrial economies, high living standards, well-established infrastructures, and stable governments.

Federal Budget Deficit

The federal budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues within a given fiscal year, leading to borrowing to cover the gap.