Sessions Of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Feasibility and Acceptability of Group-Based Stigma Reduction Interventions for Adolescents Living with HIV and Their Caregivers: The Suubi4Stigma Randomized Clinical Trial (2020-2022).

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of two group-based interventions: group-cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) and a family-strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family group (MFG-FS), to address HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) and their caregivers. A total of 147 adolescent -caregiver dyads from 9 health clinics situated within 7 political districts in Uganda were screened for eligibility. Of these, 89 dyads met the inclusion criteria and provided consent to participate in the study. Participants were randomized, at the clinic level, to one of three study conditions: Usual care, G-CBT or MFG-FS. The interventions were delivered over a 3-month period. While both adolescents and their caregivers attended the MFG-FS sessions, G-CBT sessions were only attended by adolescents. Data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6-months post intervention initiation. The retention rate was 94% over the study period. Across groups, intervention session attendance ranged between 85 and 92%, for all sessions. Fidelity of the intervention was between 85 and 100%, and both children and caregivers rated highly their satisfaction with the intervention sessions. ALHIV in Uganda, and most of sub-Saharan Africa, are still underrepresented in stigma reduction interventions. The Suubi4Stigma study was feasible and acceptable to adolescents and their caregivers -supporting testing the efficacy of the interventions in a larger trial.

Effectiveness and predictors of group cognitive behaviour therapy outcome for generalised anxiety disorder in an out-patient hospital setting.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Little is known about the effectiveness of CBT for GAD in real-world treatment settings. This study investigated the effectiveness of group CBT and predictors of treatment response in an out-patient hospital clinic. Participants (n = 386) with GAD participated in 12 sessions of group CBT at an out-patient clinic. Of those who provided at least partial data (n = 326), 84.5% completed treatment. Most questionnaires were completed at pre- and post-treatment; worry severity was assessed weekly. Group CBT led to improvements in chronic worry (d = -0.91, n = 118), depressive symptoms (d = -1.22, n = 172), GAD symptom severity (d = -0.65, n = 171), intolerance of uncertainty (IU; d = -0.46, n = 174) and level of functional impairment (d = -0.35, n = 169). Greater pre-treatment GAD symptom severity (d = -0.17, n = 293), chronic worry (d = -0.20, n = 185), functional impairment (d = -0.12, n = 292), and number of comorbid diagnoses (d = -0.13, n = 299) predicted greater improvement in past week worry over treatment. Biological sex, age, depression symptom severity, number of treatment sessions attended, and IU did not predict change in past week worry over time. These findings provide support for the effectiveness of group CBT for GAD and suggest the outcomes are robust and are either not impacted or are slightly positively impacted by several demographic and clinical factors.

Predictors of homework engagement in group CBT for social anxiety: client beliefs about homework, its consequences, group cohesion, and working alliance

Objective Group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) is effective, but little data exist on generic relational components of the therapeutic process, such as group cohesion and therapy alliance, and central CBT-specific components such as homework engagement, beliefs, and perceived consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between homework, group cohesion, and working alliance during group CBT for social anxiety disorder. Method Participants (N = 105) with SAD engaged in 12 sessions of group CBT. Measures of homework, working alliance, and group cohesion were completed at multiple points throughout treatment. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to evaluate the prospective relationships between measures. Results Prospective relationships between the homework outcomes did not vary throughout the treatment period, with the only significant relationships seen between the random intercepts (“trait” levels). Homework beliefs were a significant negative predictor of future group cohesion, but only in mid- to late-treatment. Homework consequences and working alliance were significantly and positively predictive of each other throughout therapy. Conclusion Early homework engagement is associated with higher engagement throughout therapy. Working alliance and homework engagement are important to bolster early in group CBT. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12616000579493..

Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Reducing Levels of Internet Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Nursing Students in Morocco

Background: Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a serious threat to the mental health of young individuals. Objectives: The present study aimed to test the effects of cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) on controlling Internet addictive behaviors and improving levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students in Morocco. Methods: A total of 60 nursing students participated in the study based on convenience sampling and were then randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). The intervention group received 8 sessions of CBGT, unlike the control group. The Internet Addiction Test and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale were used as the pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up tests to determine participants’ levels of IA, depression, anxiety, and stress. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to assess the effects of this therapeutic intervention. Results: The results showed that following the CBGT program, the intervention group showed a reduction in IA (P < 0.05), depression (P < 0.05), anxiety (P < 0.05), and stress (P < 0.05) scores. Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy was observed to be more effective in improving the cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills of Internet-dependent nursing students, thereby reducing levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. This outcome opens up important perspectives in the field of health sciences education by considering this approach as a preferred way to promote students’ mental health in this context.

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on sexual function in reproductive aged women with hypothyroidism: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundHypothyroidism is the most common clinical disorder of the thyroid gland which is associated with an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction even if treated with medication.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on sexual function in reproductive-aged women with hypothyroidism.Materials and methodsThis randomized clinical trial was performed on 66 reproductive-aged women with hypothyroidism referring to selected health centers in Izeh, Iran. Data collection tools included demographic information form and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Eligible individuals were randomly assigned to case (n = 33) and control (n = 33) groups using block randomization with the block size of 4. In addition to standard hypothyroidism treatment, the case group received 8 sessions of cognitive-behavioral group therapy, while the control group received only standard treatment.ResultsBefore of treatment, there was no significant difference between the mean score of sexual function and its dimensions between the case and control groups (p < 0.05). However, immediately and 4 weeks after completion of treatment, the mean total score of sexual function and its dimensions in the case group increased significantly compared to the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, CBT can be effective in improving sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged women with hypothyroidism. However, before recommending this therapy to women suffering from hypothyroidism, more detailed studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of this intervention, as an adjuvant treatment to the standard pharmacotherapy.

Journal Digest: CBT With Cardiac Rehab, PMDD Neurochemistry, and More

Journal Digest: CBT With Cardiac Rehab, PMDD Neurochemistry, and More

Effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy on self-efficacy and anthropometric indices among overweight and obese postpartum women

Objective: While usually associated with weight gain, pregnancy and the postpartum period are also considered as an opportunity to prevent weight gain and its complications. Therefore, the prevention of ‘excessive/unnecessary’ weight gain is a necessary issue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on self-efficacy and lifestyle to control weight and anthropometric indices among overweight and obese postpartum women. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Public health centres in Izeh, Iran. Subjects: Sixty eligible women were divided into two groups of intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) using a simple randomisation method. A demographic questionnaire, a checklist and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WELQ) were used to collect the data. The intervention group received eight sessions of group CBT, while the control group received routine care. All variables were measured at baseline and four weeks after the completion of the intervention. Data were analysed using an independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square and analysis of covariance using SPSS version 24. Outcomes measures: Self-efficacy, weight, height, body mass index, waist, hip, and arm circumference, waist/hip ratio,and body fat percentage were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention. Results: The results showed that in the CBT group, there was a significant increase in the total score of self-efficacy and its components, while weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, mid-upper arm circumference and body fat percentage significantly reduced in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive behavioural therapy can improve self-efficacy, affecting weight and anthropometric indices in overweight and obese postpartum women. Therefore, CBT can be used as an adjunct to weight-loss intervention such as physical activity and diet or it can be used as a sole form of therapy to facilitate weight loss among overweight/obese postpartum women.

The effects of cognitive behavioural therapy on depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem in public health students, Thailand.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem in public health students at the University in Southern Thailand. The study employed a quasi-experimental, one-group, and pre-test -post-test design. Purposive sampling was employed to include 31 students, selected from those with screening indicating mild to moderate depression. While 28 of them (90.3%) were female, three (9.7%) were male. Their age range was 18-21 years, averaging 19.5 years. The instruments were the Thai translation of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Thai version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), which were evaluated and produced high validity and reliability results. Data was collected through online questionnaires. A pre-test and a post-test were utilized to measure the participants' depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem before and after participating in a group CBT, comprising eight sessions in two months. Revealed significant improvements in depression (P = .001), anxiety (P = .040), and stress (P = .002), while self-esteem (P = .465, >.05) was not significant. Group CBT sessions were effective at relieving depression, anxiety, and stress, but not self-esteem. Accordingly, further studies might consider these results and expand on this topic by broadening the population to different majors.

The Effect of Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on the Lifestyle of Patients With Hepatitis B

Background: To promote general health in patients with hepatitis, it is vital to develop effective interventions to improve the lifestyle of these patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on the lifestyle of patients with hepatitis B. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest control group design. A sample of patients with chronic hepatitis B was selected from all patients visiting specialized clinics in Tehran -Iran in 2021. Thirty patients with hepatitis B were selected and randomly allocated to two experimental and control groups (15 patients per group). Eight sessions of group CBT (one 90-minute session per week for two months) were performed, and the post-test was then administered to both groups. The data was collected by the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) and analyzed via the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and t-test in SPSS 26. Results: There was no significant difference between the lifestyle mean score of the groups in the pre-test stage. The mean post-test score of the experimental and control groups were 133.42±6.28 and 94.76±5.68 respectively (P&lt;0.001). The group CBT increased health promoting lifestyle indicators, including health responsibility (P=0.029), physical activity (P=0.050), nutrition (P=0.045), spiritual growth (P=0.045), interpersonal relations (P=0.002), and stress management (P=0.001) in the patients with hepatitis B. Conclusion: The findings indicated the effectiveness of group CBT in improving the health-promoting lifestyle of patients with hepatitis B. CBT can thus be used by clinical psychologists and psychiatric nurses to promote a healthy lifestyle in these patients.

Cognitive-behavioral group therapy in major depressive disorder with focus on self-esteem and optimism: an interventional study

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder is a common psychological condition that can lead to negative individual and social consequences, the management of which is very important in treating the patients. The present study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive-behavioral group therapy on self-esteem and optimism in patients with major depressive disorder.MethodsThis is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which a total of 64 patients with major depressive disorder were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) and Treatment-As-Usual (TAU). Data collection tools consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). In the pretest stage, participants in both groups completed the above questionnaires before the intervention. Patients in the CBGT group received eight 90-min sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy during four weeks (two sessions a week). Then participants re-completed RSES and LOT-R immediately, three months, and six months after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 16.0 using chi-squared test, independent-samples t-test, and repeated measures Analysis of Variance. The significance level (p-value) was considered to be less than 0.05.ResultsIt was indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of self-esteem and optimism between the two groups immediately, three months, and six months after the intervention (p < .05). The mean scores of self-esteem and optimism in the CBGT group increased significantly after the intervention compared to before it, although these scores gradually decreased over the three measurement time points after the intervention.ConclusionsBased upon the results, it was concluded that the level of optimism and self-esteem increased significantly in the CBGT group after the intervention, although the levels of the above variables dropped again in the long run after the intervention due to the discontinuity of CBGT sessions. Therefore, it is necessary to take particular measures to regularly hold the sessions of CBGT for patients with major depressive disorder.Trial registration numberIRCT20140212016564N15, The date of registration: 20–09-2021, Retrospectively registered.

Rescripting Social Trauma: A Pilot Study Investigating Imagery Rescripting as an Adjunct to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

The current pilot study aimed to investigate the benefit of imagery rescripting (IR) as an adjunct to Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (GCBT) for SAD, given recent research suggesting that IR is beneficial in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Fifteen participants with SAD completed eight sessions of GCBT and two additional individual sessions of IR to address negative meanings embedded in memories of traumatic social experiences. As expected, participants reported significant reductions in fear of negative evaluation and identification of negative core beliefs as valid/accurate over the course of the two session IR intervention. Moreover, IR yielded significant improvements in negative affect and maladaptive appraisals associated with self-imagery and aversive memories, as well as depressive symptoms. However, unexpectedly, IR did not yield significant additive reductions in social anxiety symptoms over and above GCBT. Results indicate that IR appears to be a beneficial adjunct to GCBT, and lack of improvement in social anxiety symptoms across IR sessions may be due to methodological limitations. Outcomes suggest that IR may also benefit patients with comorbid depression, given high rates of comorbid unipolar depression for people with SAD, presenting an exciting area for further investigation. Taken together, findings suggest that IR may be a valuable adjunct to GCBT for SAD, especially among patients with comorbid unipolar depression. However, further research including a follow up period is indicated.

Effectiveness of Group Therapy with Cognitive-Behavioral Approach on Negative Feelings of the Women Toward Their Husband’s Family and the Marital Conflicts

Background: Marital life is based on effective reciprocal relations such as quality of communications with the spouse’s family. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy on negative feelings of the women toward their husband’s family and marital conflicts. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population included all women referring to Rahgosha Consultation Center in the town of Tiran (due to marital conflicts) in 2018. Thirty samples were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Then, the samples were randomly divided into two groups of experimental (15 women) and control (15 women). Women’s negative feelings toward the husband's family and marital conflicts questionnaires were used to collect data. The experimental group received eighth ninety-minute sessions of cognitive-behavioral group therapy. Finally, a posttest was performed for both groups. Moreover, the follow-up stage was administered a month after the posttest on both groups. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data at descriptive statistics, and MANCOVA was used at the inferential statistics level through SPSS21 software. Results: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy could effectively decrease both the women’s negative feelings toward their husband’s family and marital conflicts (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral group therapy can be applied to decrease negative feelings toward the husband’s family and to address marital conflicts.

Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Pain Self-efficacy, Fatigue, Life Expectancy and Depression in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) on pain self-efficacy, fatigue, life expectancy and depression in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: In this quasi-experimental clinical trial with a pretest/posttest design, 68 patients with MS referred to MS clinics and MS ‎Association‎ of Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran were selected using a convenience sampling technique, and were then assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received ten 2-hour weekly sessions of CBGT, while the control group received no treatment. In the pretest and posttest phases, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Snyder’s ‎Adult Hope Scale (AHS)‎ ‎and Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) were completed by all subjects. The collected data were analyzed using ANCOVA and t-test. Results: The CBGT significantly improved pain self-efficacy (P=0.001) and life expectancy (P=0.001) and reduced fatigue (P=0.02) and depression (P=0.003) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: CBGT can increase pain self-efficacy, life expectancy and reduce fatigue and depression in patients with MS.

A multidimensional investigation of anxiety sensitivity and depression outcomes in cognitive-behavioral group therapy

We examined how anxiety sensitivity – the fear of symptoms of anxiety due to their perceived harmful effects – and gender are associated with treatment trajectory and outcomes in a large outpatient sample (N = 278) who received 14-weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for depression. Three dimensions of anxiety sensitivity (cognitive, physical, and social concerns) and depression were assessed at pre-treatment, and the latter was assessed weekly during treatment. Latent growth curve models supported a link between cognitive concerns (fears of losing control over thoughts) and greater improvement in depression near the end of treatment (i.e., weeks 10–14); gender did not moderate trajectory. Gender (i.e., identifying as a woman) and greater physical concerns (fears of physical consequences of arousal symptoms) were associated with completion of < 8 sessions. Results suggest that those with more cognitive concerns might require greater time in treatment and/or benefit most from the focus on maladaptive assumptions and core beliefs in later CBGT sessions. Future research, including investigation of intervening variables, may elucidate the mechanisms through which greater physical concerns and gender are associated with treatment non-completion. Results supported differential associations of anxiety sensitivity dimensions with depression treatment outcomes, though further research attention is needed.

Anxiety Sensitivity and Panic Disorder: Evaluation of the Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a multidimensional construct associated with the etiology and maintenance of panic disorder (PD) symptoms. However, only a few studies have evaluated whether cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) can modify the condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of CBGT on AS in patients with PD and to analyze AS and its dimensions as predictors of response to CBGT. In the present clinical trial, an intervention group (n = 37) attended 12 CBGT sessions, while a control group (n = 52) did not receive any intervention. The severity of symptoms and of AS were evaluated before and after CBGT in the intervention group and once in the control group. Significant improvement occurred in all specific PD symptoms and in general anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, AS scores reduced significantly after intervention. This study confirmed that AS is higher in patients with more severe PD. The effectiveness of CBGT for reducing the physical, cognitive, and social dimensions of AS was also observed, supporting the hypothesis of a positive impact of therapy.

Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exercise in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDespite evidence in scientific literature indicating the effectiveness of both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical exercise in the management of major depressive disorder (MDD), few studies have directly compared them.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of group CBT, physical exercise, and only wait-listing to receive treatment-as-usual (TAU) in the management of MDD. The investigators hypothesize that participants with MDD assigned to the group CBT or exercise arms of the study will achieve superior outcomes compared with participants wait-listed to receive TAU only.MethodsThis prospective rater-blinded randomized controlled trial assesses the benefits of group CBT and exercise for participants with MDD. A total of 120 patients with MDD referred to addiction and mental health clinics in Edmonton, Canada, will be randomly assigned to one of the three equal-sized arms of the study to receive either weekly sessions of group CBT plus TAU, group exercise three times a week plus TAU, or only TAU for 14 weeks. Participants will be assessed at enrollment, 3 and 6 months post enrollment, midtreatment, and upon treatment completion for primary (functional and symptom variables) and secondary outcomes (service variables and health care utilization). In addition, participants in the intervention groups would be evaluated weekly with one functional measure. The data will be analyzed using repeated measures and effect size analyses, and correlational analyses will be completed between measures at each time point.ResultsThe study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (Hong Kong amendment) and Good Clinical Practice (Canadian guidelines). Written informed consent will be obtained from each subject. The study received ethical clearance from the Health Ethics Research Board of the University of Alberta on September 7, 2018 (Pro 00080975) and operational approval from the provincial health authority (Alberta Health Services 43638). As of October 13, 2019, we have enrolled 32 participants. The results will be disseminated at several levels, including patients, practitioners, academics, researchers, and health care organizations.ConclusionsThe results of the pilot trial may inform the implementation of a multicenter clinical trial and provide useful information for administrators and clinicians who are interested in incorporating group CBT and group exercise interventions into existing care.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03731728; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03731728International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/14309

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy on the Workplace and Decisional Procrastination of Midwives: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:Procrastination in the general population is a prevalent phenomenon. Procrastination in midwives, who are responsible for health care services, can have serious consequences and reduce health care productivity. Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) is believed to reduce procrastination, but few studies have investigated its effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of CBGT on the workplace and decisional procrastination of midwives.Materials and Methods:This randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 47 participants who were eligible to participate in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to the CBGT (n = 24) and control (n = 23) groups. The intervention group received 7 sessions of CBGT and the control group received no intervention. Decisional and workplace procrastination were assessed at the pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 2-month follow-up phases. Repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used for data analysis.Results:At the posttest and follow-up phases, workplace procrastination (Post-test: F1,40= 11.78, p = 0.001; Follow-up: F1,40= 11.12, p = 0.002), soldiering (Post-test: F1,40= 13.77, p = 0.001; Follow-up: F1,40= 4.15, p = 0.049), cyberslacking (Post-test: F1,40= 4.20, p = 0.047; Follow-up: F1,40= 13.34, p = 0.001), and decisional procrastination (Post-test: F1,40= 6.66, p = 0.014; Follow-up: F1,40= 6.12, p = 0.018) significantly decreased in the CBGT group compared to the control group. CBGT explained 23% of the changes in the total workplace procrastination score and 22% of the changes in the component of soldiering (p < 0.05).Conclusions:CBGT significantly reduced workplace and decisional procrastination in midwives.

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral group therapy in women with obesity antidepressant treatment

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of a structured cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) on weight loss, depression, anxiety, body image and self-esteem levels in women with obesity treatment and to show that cognitive behavioral therapy may also be effective in the treatment of obese women receiving antidepressant medication in our study. Methods: Fourteen sessions of CBGT were administered to 28 obese female patients who met inclusion criteria. Measurement and clinical scale application were made before and after the therapy. Six months after the therapy, the patients were asked about their weight by phone call. Sociodemographic Information Form, body mass index (BMI) monitoring, DSM-IV based Structured Clinical Interview, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90) were applied to the cases. Results: A statistically significant decrease in patients' weight and body mass index were found after 14 sessions of therapy (p

Cognitive-behavioural group therapy for insomnia: evaluation of the results after its implementation in a health department

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the preferred treatment in cases of chronic insomnia disorder in adults. Open pragmatic study of 32 patients after eight sessions of group CBT for insomnia. Remission (insomnia severity index: 0-7 points) and response (insomnia severity index drops to > 8) were 31.3% and 46.9% at one month (n = 32) and 42.8% and 52.4% at one year (n = 21), respectively, with an effect size of 1.9 at one month and 2.3 at one year. At one month, 40.6% met the criteria for a case of insomnia (according to the insomnia symptoms questionnaire), and at one year, 19%, with a significant improvement in the symptoms at night and the consequences during the day. The questions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index on insomnia and sleep efficiency also improved. The pre-sleep arousal scale (n = 7) showed a shift from significant somatic and cognitive arousal to no arousal at one month. In the sleep diaries, total sleep time increased by an average of 53 minutes at one month (n = 14) and 76 minutes at one year (n = 10), with an increase of more than 10% in 71.4% of patients at one month and at one year, and an average sleep efficiency of more than 85%. The effect size for total sleep time and sleep efficiency was between 0.7 and 1. Group CBT for insomnia appears to be an effective treatment option in a clinical setting.

Manualized cognitive behavioral group therapy to treat vasomotor symptoms for women diagnosed with mood disorders

ObjectiveThis 6-week, prospective, single-arm study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of cognitive behavioral group therapy in peri- and postmenopausal women with mood disorders (major depression or bipolar) and problematic vasomotor menopausal symptoms. Methods59 participants from an outpatient clinic with mood disorders and problematic vasomotor symptoms were enrolled. The primary outcomes were change from baseline to 6 weeks in Hot Flush Night Sweat Problem Rating, Hot Flash Related Daily Interference, and Quality of Life. Secondary outcomes were change in Hot Flush Frequency, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, anhedonia, beliefs and cognitive appraisals of menopause. ClinicalTrials.gov [identifier: NCT02860910]. ResultsOn the Hot Flush Night Sweat Problem Rating, 39.3% improved 2 or more points, which was clinically relevant. Changes in Quality of Life (p = .001) and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale were also significant (p < .001). Significant results were found on most secondary outcomes (hot flush frequency on the Hot Flush Daily Diary, depression, anxiety, perceived stress (p < .001) and anhedonia (p = .001). One of six subscales (control subscale) on the cognitive appraisal of menopause significantly improved (p < .001). Three subscales on the beliefs measure did not change significantly (p = .05, p = .91, and p = .14). Six-week study retention was robust (N = 55, 93%) and 94.2% of individuals reported that cognitive behavioral group therapy sessions were useful. ConclusionThis exploratory study suggests that CBGT is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in women with mood disorders and problematic menopause vasomotor symptoms. Further studies are needed using more rigorous and controlled methods.