your thread posts some interesting questions for all of us. what i found that works best for me is a comination of CBT, proper diagnosis, and meds. i have found however if i don't see a "good" psychologist, PHD in my case, and a "good' psychiatrist whom i call a good chemist, my results can be below the norm for positive results. i often wonder if those who suffer so extremely here at pc have been less fortunate than i. my therapy has immensely helped me learn to cope with life which of course lessens the intensity of my bipolar disorder in my case cause i am functioning with most "of the oars in the water". i know i must direct and "own" my therapy. it is not my therapist's job. what i put in is what i put out. no pain, no gain in my case. when i hit a major snag i schedule to see my T to gain input and understanding of what i can't figure out by myself. if i do this quickly enough many times i can avoid the deep depression i have sometimes or my pdoc to tweak my meds. i know for a fact that i benefit from meds...my life was a constant struggle before them. today i can most times function well taking them. but if i only had meds and no therapy i don't believe i would have good results. for me they go hand in hand.
but i do not know if i am the exception based on the ppl here who suffer in spite of getting help. that troubles me and causes me to question why they don't improve as i did. part of the reason i believe is we are all different. part of the reason is misdiagnosis resulting in the wrong meds for that individual.
idk, just thought i'd put this out there.