the efficiency of cognitive- behavioral therapy in reducing depression and dysfunctional attitude among depressed young adults

objectives : the present study was designed to examine, within the framework of cognitive-behavioral theory, the efficiency of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of depression among young adults. method: three case studies were carried out, with 15 – 17 year old females, suffering from depression. they were selected from among the patients referred to a psychiatrist's office. each subject received eight sessions of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes. the sessions were held twice a week. the subjects were assessed using the beck depression inventory and the dysfunctional attitude scale at three point, pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up one-month after the end of treatment. results: the results demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral therapy was effective in reducing both dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms among young adults.