Joy-First Therapy: A New Approach to Depression Shows Promise
Three randomized trials published in JAMA suggest positive affect treatment (PAT) can be more effective than traditional therapy at lifting mood and reducing negative symptoms in depression by teaching patients to add and savor positive activities and retrain the brain’s reward system. While replication across studies is encouraging, researchers call for larger samples. The article also outlines practical PAT strategies for everyday life, such as planning enjoyable activities, savoring moments, finding silver linings, and practicing generosity to boost mood, alongside the reassurance that professional help remains important when needed.
