The impact of cognitive behavioral therapy on IL-6 levels in unmedicated women experiencing the first episode of depression: A pilot study

A group of 11 women (18-29 years old) in the first episode of depression was evaluated before and after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Depressive scores, assessed by Hamilton Rating Scale (HRSD), and serum IL-6 levels significantly decreased after the seventh session. These results suggest that CBT reduced both depressive symptoms and the inflammatory state in women. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.