Cinematherapy in depression: Current knowledge and future directions

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant contributor to the global disease burden, yet understanding its causes and effective treatments remains limited. MDD is characterized by persistent sadness, diminished interests, cognitive impairment, and vegetative symptoms. It is more prevalent in women and affects a substantial proportion of adults. Antidepressant treatments often yield partial responses, leading to increased risks and treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which has profound consequences. Psychotherapy has shown efficacy, although it may not be as effective as pharmacotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving therapy, and medication have been effective for depression in older adults. Cinematherapy, an extension of bibliotherapy, utilizes films curated by mental health professionals to exert therapeutic influence and catalyze interventions within therapy sessions. Films depicting intergenerational dynamics and universal themes of death, grief, and abandonment aided clients in gaining a fresh perspective on their relationships and unresolved emotions. Therapeutic movie discussions promote identification, insights, and generalization in addressing relationship challenges. Also, run-through films proved more attractive and successful in comparison to traditional medical approaches for individuals with dementia, depression, and neurological disorders. This article provides a review of cinematherapy's therapeutic implications in depression treatment and proposes potential avenues for future advancements.

Keywords:

cinematherapy , depression , mental health , movie therapy.