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.