While depression is often treated with anti-depressant medication, there is good evidence that cognitive therapies are also effective. These are 'talking therapies' which aim to help people with depression to minimise the impact of negative thoughts and develop strategies for coping with difficult feelings or situations.

There are a range of these therapies, but this Highlight looks at new evidence relating to two types: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). The NHS Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies programme has improved access to these therapies, although availability is still variable and there are waiting lists in some areas.