The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group intervention on depression and anxiety in patients with type II diabetes

Abstract

IntroductionDepression and anxiety are important risk factors for diabetes and high blood pressure. ObjectiveThis study investigated the effectiveness of the Cognitive-Behavioral Group Intervention for Diabetes Disease (CBGI-DD) in reducing depression and anxiety in female patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MethodThe CBGI-DD program includes 12 weekly 2.5h sessions, spread weekly over the course of 3 months. The present study was semi-experimental and controlled, with assessments at pre-test and post-test. It included diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of T2D in the patient's medical records by a diabetes specialist. Participants (62 female volunteers aged 25 to 75 years) were randomly allocated to a control or test group. Both groups responded to the Second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before (pretest) and immediately after the intervention (posttest). Participants in the test group received CBGI-DD (from April up to the end of September 2018) at Mashhad Diabetes Center. The control group received only medical care during this period. ResultsAn analysis of covariance showed that compared to the control group, the test group had a significant reduction in anxiety and depression from pre-test to post-test (p<0.05). It was compared post-test scores between the two groups, controlling for pre-test scores. ConclusionThe CBGI-DD program seems to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression in female patients with T2D. However, further research exploring the potential for long-term improvements in depression and anxiety is needed.