Group cognitive–behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression

Abstract

SummaryCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment approach that can be delivered not only on a one-to-one basis but also to groups and in self-help formats. However, the evidence base supporting individual CBT is more extensive than the research regarding group CBT. This is likely to influence the choice of services that develop in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care in England. This article outlines the different forms that group CBT takes, the way in which it may benefit people and the current evidence base supporting its use for anxiety and depression. It also outlines the advantages of group or individual CBT and describes those patients who appear to be best suited to a specific delivery.

Evaluation of existing experimental evidence for treatment of depression in indigenous populations: A systematic review

“…Firstly, the trials were conducted in various Indigenous groups that is Maori n = 1, American Indians n = 2, African Indigenous n = 1 (Ginsburg et al, 2012;Kilonzo et al, 1994;Listug-Lunde et al, 2013;Woods & Jose, 2011), suggesting that using a culturally adapted CBT-based intervention to treat depression has the potential to be effective for distinct populations. Finally, our findings, in conjunction with previous work (Whitfield, 2010), demonstrate potential efficacy of culturally adapted CBT in a group scenario rather than on an individual basis, highlighting a potentially more cost-and time-effective way to treat depression. However, at the same time caution should be taken before generalising the findings to other Indigenous populations for exactly that reason.…”

“…Secondly, the studies included in the review targeted prevention as well as treatment of depression; this indicates that culturally adapted behavioural intervention can potentially be effective in decreasing the risk of future depressive episodes. Finally, our findings, in conjunction with previous work (Whitfield, 2010), demonstrate potential efficacy of culturally adapted CBT in a group scenario rather than on an individual basis, highlighting a potentially more cost-and time-effective way to treat depression. This is particularly important to consider among children and adolescents who attend school.…”

“…This is important, considering the substantial differences between Indigenous populations worldwide (Cunningham & Stanley, 2003). Group-based CBT has been shown to be useful in the general population for a variety of conditions and can offer a number of advantages including de-stigmatisation of mental illness and the ability for vicarious learning (Whitfield, 2010). Secondly, the studies included in the review targeted prevention as well as treatment of depression; this indicates that culturally adapted behavioural intervention can potentially be effective in decreasing the risk of future depressive episodes.…”

“…This is particularly important to consider among children and adolescents who attend school. Group-based CBT has been shown to be useful in the general population for a variety of conditions and can offer a number of advantages including de-stigmatisation of mental illness and the ability for vicarious learning (Whitfield, 2010).…”

A Pilot Study to Assess Emotional Distress and Quality of Life among Transgenders in South India

“…Considering the vast amount of research into systemic approaches within the ED literature and the mention of systemic factors in the development and maintenance models of ED within T1DM research may wish to focus here. Group interventions did not appear to be beneficial which maybe because they are entering a treatment programme where they have an extra diagnosis [61,77] notes in group psychotherapy interactions between group members is the vehicle for change. It could be hypothesised that those with comorbid T1DM and ED, feel they do not fit within the group and have a sense of difference, preventing learning from other's experiences.…”