Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How many sessions are typically recommended for a patient suffering from depression receiving cognitive behavioural therapy?

1. 10 sessions

2. 25 sessions

3. 50 sessions

4. 15 sessions

The correct answer is: 25 sessions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often tailored to individual needs, but research and clinical practice generally suggest a course of around 12 to 20 sessions for treating depression effectively. While the accepted range can vary based on the severity of the condition and specific patient circumstances, the option indicating 25 sessions is often cited as a more comprehensive approach for moderate to severe cases, ensuring thorough treatment and follow-up. It's essential to recognize that factors such as the patient's progress, specific symptoms, and their response to therapy can influence the total number of sessions needed. Therefore, while 10 or 15 sessions might be sufficient for some, they might not allow for the depth of exploration and coping strategy development that 25 sessions could provide for those with more complex or resistant symptoms. The higher number may allow the therapist to delve deeper into the underlying issues, more effectively establish coping mechanisms, and provide ongoing support after the initial treatment phase. Thus, the recommendation of 25 sessions aligns with a more extensive treatment approach which can be beneficial for many dealing with significant or long-term depression.