I would like to clear up a couple of inaccuracies in a feature on depression (The Argus, January 21) in which I was misrepresented.

First, although when people who are depressed learn the emotional self-management and practical skills they need it does give them a lifelong ability to leave their depressed feelings behind, learning those skills does not take long at all.

The vast majority of people find with effective brief solution-focused therapy they can overcome their problems in a few visits to a therapist.

Many people I see overcome even quite serious depression in two or three visits over a few weeks. It is misleading, therefore, to claim that "Andrew believes in long-term self-help rather than quick cures", which implies the process of overcoming the problem is long term rather than the result.

Second, and related, what I said about one drawback of drugs such as Prozac is they take four to six weeks to have an effect, whereas effective therapy can have someone feeling noticeably better in a couple of hours.

The article had me saying the opposite, that "good therapy also takes a while".

While the article did make a useful and valid point about people's reticence to seek help, the effect of the inaccuracies perpetuates the belief that therapy is a long, difficult process and so may, in fact, deter people from seeking help.

Depression is no longer a mysterious condition but one that is well understood and can be alleviated quickly and effectively.

Anyone who has been feeling depressed for more than a short period of time should seek a brief, solution-focused psychotherapist or hypnotherapist, from whom they will be able to find quick, effective help.

-Andrew Cain, Brighton