Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression of people with epilepsy

BackgroundDepression, a common mental problem frequently detected in people with epilepsy (PWE), is a major factor that decreases the quality of life of PWE. The cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used non-pharmacological treatment for depressive disorders. The CBT for PWE with depression has not yet been studied in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the CBT on depression in PWE in Korea. MethodThis study included 16 PWE with depression who received CBT and 30 control PWE with depression who did not receive CBT. The mean number of CBT sessions per patient was 7.2 in the CBT group. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered before and after CBT sessions in the CBT group, whereas PHQ-9 was performed at baseline and follow-up in the control group. The difference in PHQ-9 and BDI-II scores were analyzed between the pre- and post-CBT periods in the CBT group. The difference between baseline and follow-up PHQ-9 scores was compared in the control group. ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline variables between the CBT and control groups. The PHQ-9 score significantly decreased after the CBT sessions in the CBT group (pre-CBT PHQ-9 = 13.56 vs. post-CBT PHQ-9 = 8.56) but it did not change in the control group (Baseline PHQ-9 = 13.83 vs. follow-up PHQ-9 = 14.67). Twelve PWE had undergone four or more CBT sessions with pre-CBT and post-CBT BDI-II. The BDI-II score significantly decreased after CBT sessions (pre-CBT BDI-II = 30.75 vs. post-CBT BDI-II = 21.5). The CBT decreased the sub-field scores of cognitive and physical-emotional factors as well as suicidal ideation, but the score of sleep problems did not significantly improve. The CBT did not significantly change the seizure frequency. ConclusionThe CBT significantly improved depression in Korean PWE. Therefore, it can be considered a treatment tool for depression in PWE. However, a study with more patients and a fixed number of CBT sessions is recommended to generalize this effect.

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on stress and anxiety of mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Precocious puberty in girls has been associated with an increased risk of stress and anxiety in their mothers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on perceived stress and anxiety of mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms in Tabriz-Iran, 2021. The participants were randomly assigned to CBT and control groups through blocked randomization. Group counseling was provided to the intervention group in eight sessions of 45–60 min weekly with 5 to 7 women. A booklet containing explanations about puberty was provided for the both groups. Data were collected using the questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and quality of life (SF-36). Independent t-test, ANCOVA, chi-square, and fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the outcomes between the groups.Findings: After the intervention, based on ANCOVA test with adjusting the baseline values, mean scores of stress (mean difference (MD): -10.75; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -11.77 to -9.72; P < 0.001), state anxiety (MD: -14.36; 95% CI: -15.7 to -12.7; P < 0.001) and trait anxiety (MD: -12.8; 95% CI: -14.4 to -11.1; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in CBT group compared to the control group. Also mean score of quality of life (MD: 9.82; 95% CI: -6.74 to -12.90; P < 0.001) was significantly higher in CBT group compared to the control group.ConclusionBased on the results, group CBT is effective in reducing stress and anxiety and improving the quality of life of mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms. However, more studies are required to make a definite conclusion in this field.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20110826007418N6. Date of registration: 11/10/2021. URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/57346; Date of first registration: 11/10/2021.

Reflections on the group dynamic in a group cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for young adult women with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea: a qualitative analysis

A recent group cognitive behavioral therapy (gCBT) intervention for dysmenorrhea conducted by our team demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy at reducing menstrual pain. This study aimed to use qualitative analyses to explore participants’ reflections about the intervention’s group dynamic. Participants included 20 young women ages 18–24 years with average menstrual pain of 8.0 (SD = 1.1) on a 0–10 (0 = none, 10 = worst pain possible) numeric rating scale. Semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted after the intervention. Researchers then conducted deductive, iterative thematic analysis using a template analysis approach. Two themes were generated: benefit and logistics. The benefit theme included two sub-themes: (1) camaraderie (an emotional, psychological, or social connection between participants); and (2) sharing (information, advice, or experiences). The logistics theme highlighted how the structure of the group influenced the dynamic and was divided into two sub-themes according to the time frame being described: (1) reactions (participants’ experiences with how the group dynamic was facilitated); and (2) future (how the group structure could be improved). Results of this study contribute to the growing body of literature related to gCBT for pain conditions. Future research is needed to optimize the group dynamic and evaluate its specific therapeutic role in the treatment.

Update on treatment studies for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A systematic review.

Compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is mentioned as an example of other specified impulse control disorders in the ICD-11 coding tool, highlighting its clinical relevance and need for treatment. The aim of the present work was to provide a systematic update on treatment studies for CBSD, with a particular focus on online CBSD. The preregistered systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42021257379) was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. Aliterature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases. Original research published between January 2000 and December 2022 was included. Risk of reporting bias was evaluated with the CONSORT guideline for randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes for primary CBSD outcomes were calculated. Thirteen studies were included (psychotherapy: 2open, 4 waitlist control design; medication: 2 open, 3 placebo-controlled, 2 open-label phase followed by a double-blind discontinuation phase; participants treatment/control 349/149). None of the studies addressed online CBSD. Psychotherapy studies suggest that group cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in reducing CBSD symptoms. Pharmacological studies with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or topiramate did not indicate superiority over placebo. Predictors of treatment outcome were rarely examined, mechanisms of change were not studied at all. Risk of reporting bias was high in most studies. Poor methodological and low quality of reporting of included studies reduce the reliability of conclusions. There is a lack of studies targeting online CBSD. More high-quality treatment research is needed with more emphasis on the CBSD subtype and mechanisms of change.

The alleviative effect of acupuncture combined with cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety of accounting personnel

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the alleviating effect of Acupuncture combined with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on anxiety disorders among accounting professionals in the financial sharing services model. Anxiety disorders are prevalent among accounting professionals due to the high-pressure work environment, and effective interventions are essential to mitigate their negative impact.Subjects and MethodsA total of 120 accounting professionals working in the financial sharing services model were recruited for this study. They were randomly divided into three groups: the Acupuncture combined with CBT group (n=40), the CBT alone group (n=40), and the control group (n=40). The participants’ anxiety levels were measured using the Stanford Acute Stress Response Questionnaire (SASRQ) and the 3-min Confusion Assessment Scale (3D-CAM). The intervention was conducted over a period of six weeks, with regular sessions once a week.ResultsStatistical analysis using SPSS23.0 revealed a significant reduction in anxiety levels in both the Acupuncture combined with CBT group and the CBT alone group compared to the control group (P&lt;0.001). However, the Acupuncture combined with CBT group exhibited a more substantial decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to the CBT alone group (P&lt;0.05), as measured by the SASRQ and 3D-CAM. These results suggest that the combination therapy has a more significant effect on alleviating anxiety disorders among accounting professionals.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the efficacy of acupuncture combined with CBT in reducing anxiety disorders among accounting professionals in the financial shared service model. These findings highlight the importance of combining complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, with established psychological interventions to achieve more comprehensive treatment outcomes.AcknowledgementThe 2017 Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education project (No. 17JK0942); The 2021 Xi’an Social Science Planning Fund project (No. JX163); The 2022 Shaanxi International Business School Science and Technology Innovation Team Construction Project (No. 2022KYTD05).

Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Social Anxiety Disorder

Abstract: Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) in children is highly prevalent but current treatments are not effective for all patients. Aim: A group treatment based on empirically driven etiological models including psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, exposure, and social skills training was examined. Method: The study examined treatment success using a SAD-specific cognitive behavior group therapy in a randomized controlled trial ( N = 74, 8 – 12 years, blind randomized allocation to treatment [CBT; n = 42] and waitlist [WLC; n = 32]). Results: Compared to WLC, parents of children in the CBT group reported a decrease in symptoms (CBT: d = 1.02, WLC: d = 0.06), while children did not differ in two measures of social anxiety. An estimate of total treatment effects showed a steady decrease in social anxiety symptoms (child report pre- to posttreatment: d = 0.50 – 0.52, posttreatment to follow-up: d = 0.37 – 0.39; parent report pre- to posttreatment: d = 0.92, posttreatment to follow-up: d = 0.69). Conclusion: While group treatment is most likely an effective approach, parents reported stronger social anxiety symptom reduction than children. The selection of measures for the assessment of SAD and treatment success and further modifications of exposure-based approaches are to be considered in future research.

Improve and innovate community mechanisms combined with western medicine to treat bipolar depression

BackgroundBipolar depression is increasingly affecting people’s quality of life. There are mainly medication and psychotherapy for treatment, but there also exist psychological and social environmental factors that affect the symptoms. This study will use a combination of Western medicine and medication to improve and innovate community work mechanisms, and provide group integrated psychotherapy for patients.Subjects and Methods100 patients diagnosed with depression from a specific hospital underwent psychological evaluation, and were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 patients in each group. The experimental group received a combination of Western medicine and group integrated psychotherapy, complemented by community work mechanisms. The control group received only a combination of Western medicine and group cognitive behavior therapy. The experimental data was analyzed using SPSS23.0 statistical software, which included descriptive statistical analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the total scores of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) in the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment. After SPSS analysis, the difference in results was F=102.48, P=0.001, F=55.96, P&lt;0.001, with statistical significance. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the difference in results between the two groups of HAMD was t=3.49, P=0.001, t=2.51, P&lt;0.19, with statistical significance.ConclusionsThis study found that group integrated psychotherapy combined with community work mechanisms is significantly superior to group cognitive behavior research, which can improve patients’ treatment enthusiasm and early differences. Group integrated psychotherapy combined with community work mechanisms can effectively enhance patients’ psychological resilience.AcknowledgementThe research is supported by: Jiangsu Province University Philosophy and Social Science General Project (2021) “Study on the Governance Mechanism of Village Leaders in Rural Construction--Based on Suqian Practice” (No. 2021SJA2203).

Psychological Interventions in Psychodermatological Practice

Abstract There is a well-established connection between the skin and the mind. Based on current evidence, many dermatological conditions are triggered or exacerbated by stress. Therefore, intervention needs to target stress, anxiety, and other psychiatric comorbidities which may be secondary to skin conditions or may lead to aggravation of the illness. Psychological interventions should be based on the underlying emotional issues that may affect the way skin problems respond to medical treatment. Before starting the intervention, it is very important to know which psychodermatological conditions will be targeted. In primary psychocutaneous illness (delusion of parasitosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dysmorphophobia, etc.) the target is to modify or eliminate the symptoms of illness with specific models and approaches. If stress is playing an active role in the etiology and course of skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria) or it is delaying the improvement, then the aim should be to apply stress reduction techniques. In some skin conditions (pemphigus vulgaris, Hansen’s disease, etc.), the aim of the intervention should be to strengthen the defenses and teach new and better mechanisms to maintain control. The common psychotherapy procedures useful in dermatology practice include psychoeducation, behavior therapy, habit reversal, relaxation procedures, biofeedback, cognitive behavior therapy, hypnotherapy, and group therapy.

5.37 Efficacy of Virtual or Hybrid vs Standard In-Person Delivery of Group CBT in Pediatric OCD

5.37 Efficacy of Virtual or Hybrid vs Standard In-Person Delivery of Group CBT in Pediatric OCD

Provision of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders by Medical Student Trainees.

The purpose of the article is to evaluate an innovative education program in which medical students were trained in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and provided CBT treatments under supervision to uninsured individuals with depressive, anxiety, adjustment, and trauma-based disorders. The authors assessed improvements in trainees' CBT knowledge using the Cognitive Therapy Awareness Scale before and after their didactic training. CBT supervisors rated trainees' clinical competencies utilizing standardized checklist evaluations based upon supervision reports. The authors employed mixed effects ANOVA and regression modeling to test the association between the addition of CBT to treatment as usual (TAU) and improvements in patients' depressive and anxious symptom severity. The authors collected feedback and self-assessment of functioning with a Psychotherapy Feedback Questionnaire. Medical students showed increases in CBT knowledge that were maintained six months later and demonstrated satisfactory competency in CBT techniques. The addition of CBT to TAU was associated with greater improvements in depressive, but not anxious, symptom severity. However, among the TAU + CBT group, there was an association between the number of CBT sessions received and the magnitude of improvement in anxious symptoms from baseline. Patients gave positive feedback to medical student CBT providers and reported improvements in broad domains of psychosocial functioning. Medical students can provide competent and clinically beneficial CBT treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. These findings have implications for medical training and support the use of medical students to deliver care for individuals with limited access to psychotherapy.

Patients’ and Therapists’ Experiences of Standardized Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Needs for a Personalized Approach

Personalizing psychotherapy can be challenging within standardized group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which sessions are structured according to a protocol and must accommodate the needs and preferences of multiple patients. In the current study, we aimed to examine patients’ and therapists’ experiences of standardized group CBT and identify their perceptions of different patient needs. Furthermore, we explored how these needs can inform possible content of add-on interventions for patients who are not improving as expected during group CBT.We conducted 21 individual in-depth interviews with patients with depression and their therapists about their experiences during group CBT with Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) and feedback. Interviews were analyzed by using a hermeneutic-phenomenological thematic analysis. Five themes, representing different patient needs, were identified: (1) Individual attention, (2) Psychological exploration, (3) A focus on the patient’s life outside of therapy, (4) Extended assessment, and (5) Agreement on therapeutic tasks.The study supports that “one size does not fit all” when it comes to psychotherapy. Patients have varying needs when they are not making progress in therapy, and these needs, when unmet, can negatively impact the overall experience of group CBT. By acknowledging the unique needs of each patient and providing additional individual sessions as necessary, we can move towards a more personalized approach that maximizes the benefits of group psychotherapy.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with obsessive-compulsive symptoms using internet-delivered and face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy

ABSTRACT Objective Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, little is known about the characteristics of individuals who engage with this treatment and whether they are comparable to those who engage in face-to-face treatment for OCD. The aim of the current study was to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of participants who engaged in a large open trial of self-guided ICBT for OCD and compare their characteristics with those who completed face-to-face treatment for OCD, as described in large, published studies. Method Three hundred and twenty-three participants (Mage = 33.27; SD = 12.22; 74.1% female) were included in the study. Results Participants in the ICBT group were significantly younger in age, were more likely to be female, and less likely to take psychotropic medication for their OCD symptoms, compared to participants who completed face-to-face treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups on OCD symptom severity or on depressive symptom severity. Conclusion Although slight differences in demographic characteristics were found between the ICBT group and face-to-face CBT group, the groups had similar clinical characteristics, indicating individuals who seek both treatment modalities are comparable to one another.

Implementing a nurse-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy intervention to reduce the impact of hot flushes/night sweats in women with breast cancer: a qualitative process evaluation of the MENOS4 trial

BackgroundHot flushes and night sweats are life-altering symptoms experienced by many women after breast cancer treatment. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to explore the effectiveness of breast care nurse (BCN)-led group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This paper reported findings from a qualitative process evaluation to optimise the CBT intervention and explore the determinants of implementation into routine practice.MethodsQualitative process evaluation occurred in parallel with the RCT to explore patient and healthcare staff experiences and perspectives using semi-structured interviews pre-and post-intervention. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) informed data collection, analysis, and reporting of findings. The analysis involved inductive thematic analysis, NPT coding manual and subsequent mapping onto NPT constructs.ResultsBCNs (n = 10), managers (n = 2), surgeons (n = 3) and trial participants (n = 8) across six recruiting sites took part. All stakeholders believed group CBT met a need for non-medical hot flushes/night sweats treatment, however, had little exposure or understanding of CBT before MENOS4. BCNs believed the work fitted with their identity and felt confident in delivering the sessions. Despite little understanding, patients enrolled onto group CBT because the BCNs were trusted to have the knowledge and understanding to support their needs and despite initial scepticism, reported great benefit from group-based participation. Both managers and surgeons were keen for BCNs to take responsibility for all aspects of CBT delivery, but there were some tensions with existing clinical commitments and organisational priorities.ConclusionsBoth healthcare staff and patient participants believe BCN-led group CBT is a beneficial service but barriers to long-term implementation into routine care suggest there needs to be multi-level organisational support.Trial registrationNCT02623374 – Last updated 07/12/2015 on ClinicalTrials.gov PRS.

Yoga is effective for treating chronic pain in veterans with Gulf War Illness at long-term follow-up

BackgroundClinical Practice Guidelines for Gulf War Illness (GWI) recommend integrative health approaches such as yoga for relief from symptoms, yet little is known about the long-term efficacy of yoga in reducing symptoms of GWI. Here, we evaluated the long-term efficacy of yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) chronic pain treatment in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 75 Veterans (57 men, 42–71 ± 7.1 years of age) with Gulf War Illness (GWI).MethodsParticipants received either 10 weeks of yoga or 10 weeks of CBT for chronic pain. The primary outcome measures were pain severity, and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form). The secondary outcome measures were fatigue, as indicated by a measure of functional exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), depression, autonomic symptom severity, and quality of life. Piecewise linear mixed models were used to examine study hypotheses.ResultsCompared to the CBT group, yoga was associated with greater reductions in pain severity during the 6-month follow-up period (group × time interaction: b = 0.036, se = 0.014, p = .011). Although we did not find between-group differences in the other primary or secondary outcome measures during follow-up (p’s > 0.05), exploratory analyses revealed within-group improvements in pain interference, total pain (an experimental outcome variable which combines pain severity and interference), and fatigue in the yoga group (p’s < 0.05) but not in the CBT group.ConclusionsThis is the first study to report long-term follow-up results of yoga as a treatment for GWI. Our results suggest that yoga may offer long-term efficacy in reducing pain, which is a core symptom of GWI.Trial registrationSecondary analyses of ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02378025.

The Effectiveness of Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions for Comorbid Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Long-Term Conditions: A Real-World Naturalistic Observational Study in IAPT Integrated Care

BackgroundLow-intensity psychological interventions may be a cost-effective, accessible solution for treating depression and anxiety in patients with long-term conditions, but evidence from real-world service settings is lacking. This study examined the effectiveness of low-intensity psychological interventions provided in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme in England for patients with and without long-term conditions.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients (total N = 21,051, long-term conditions n = 4024) enrolled in three low-intensity psychological interventions, i.e. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT), guided self-help (GSH), and psychoeducational group therapy (PGT) within a Talking Therapies service from 2016 to 2020. Primary outcomes included pre–post-treatment changes in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7).ResultsOverall, both cohorts significantly improved on all outcomes post-treatment, with large effect sizes. Patients with long-term conditions experienced a greater reduction in depression while those without experienced a greater reduction in anxiety, but these differences were marginal (< 1 score difference on both measures). No difference between the cohorts was shown when comparing the differential effectiveness across interventions, but those engaging in iCBT showed greater reduction in depression and anxiety than those in GSH and PGT, while those in GSH improved more than PGT.ConclusionsLow-intensity psychological interventions, particularly iCBT, were effective in treating depression and anxiety in patients with long-term conditions in a real-world service setting. Our large-scale study supports the continued and increased implementation of low-intensity psychological interventions for this subpopulation via integrated care.

Risk and resilience in a time of crisis: The experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults participating in a virtual AFFIRMative CBT group (AFFIRM Online) during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020–2022

Introduction: LGBTQ+ youth experience significant mental health challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This empirically explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth during COVID and their participation in AFFIRM Online, a digital affirmative CBT intervention. Methods: Thematic analysis of longitudinal qualitative questionnaires explored the experiences of 184 LGBTQ+ youth during waves 1–5 of the pandemic.Result: Three themes emerged: (a) Connecting with Community During Lockdown; (b) Fostering Calm in the Chaos; and (c) Developing Hope and Coping Skills for a “Post-COVID” Future. Conclusion: Digital interventions can help LGBTQ+ youth develop coping skills that support resilience during a significant crisis.

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 &lt; 0.05), depression (P &lt; 0.05), anxiety (P &lt; 0.05), and stress (P &lt; 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.

Do all obsessions contradict personal values to the same degree? A pilot investigation.

Although much is known about how intrusive thoughts become obsessions, the factors that determine which particular thoughts do so is not. The degree to which intrusions are personally significant may be such a determinant. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is heterogeneous; thus, it is possible that contradictions of personal values may play a varying role in the development of obsessions depending on which OCD symptoms manifest and may change differentially following treatment. Archival data were examined. Patients with a diagnosis of OCD (N = 62) reported their most upsetting obsession and the degree to which it violated values both pre- and postparticipation in group cognitive-behavioral therapy for OCD. At pretreatment, contradiction ratings differed across symptom domains, such that participants with primary symptoms of obsessions/checking exhibited contradiction ratings that were significantly greater than did participants with other primary symptoms. Contradiction ratings did not change posttreatment. Implications for the conceptualization of OCD are discussed.

Online peer-delivered group cognitive-behavioral therapy for postpartum depression: A randomized controlled trial.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to one in five mothers and birthing parents, yet just 10% receive evidence-based care. This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine if a synchronous online 9-week group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by mothers who have recovered from postpartum depression (i.e., peers) could effectively improve PPD and its comorbidities. Participants (n = 183) in this study lived in Ontario, Canada, were ≥18 years-old, had an infant <12 months, were fluent in English, and scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). They were randomized to experimental (received intervention plus treatment as usual (TAU)) or waitlist control (TAU plus the intervention after a 9-week wait) groups. Depression, anxiety, social support, mother-infant bonding, and infant temperament were assessed at baseline and 9 weeks later. Outcomes were assessed in the experimental group 3 months post-intervention to assess stability. Statistically significant reductions were observed in EPDS (B = 5.99; p < 0.001; d = 1.32) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7 scores (B = 5.94; p < 0.001; d = 1.22), improvements that remained stable 3 months post-intervention in the experimental group. Maternal social support (p = 0.02; d = 0.40), infant-focused anxiety (p = 0.02; d = 0.54), and infant negative emotionality (p < 0.01; d = 0.23) also improved post-intervention and remained stable 3 months later. Online peer-delivered group CBT for PPD can effectively treat PPD and anxiety, and improve social support, infant-focused anxiety, and negative emotionality in infants. This intervention could provide the means to increase access to treatment for those experiencing PPD and improve outcomes for mothers, birthing parents, and families.

The effects of music therapy on the psychological status of women with perimenopause syndrome.

Women experience many physical and psychological changes with the reduction of progesterone and estrogen as ovarian function gradually weakens. This study applied a music psychotherapy program as a nonpharmacological treatment method in addition to treatment using drugs such as hormone therapy for perimenopausal women. This study's pre-post, control-experimental research compared 20 women in the music psychotherapy experimental group and 20 in the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) control group. The perimenopausal women aged between 40 and 60 years experienced no menstrual period for 1 year. We provided eight sessions of music psychotherapy, including CBT, each lasting 60 minutes. The study period was 4 months from the time of recruitment. The music therapy group showed a more significant decrease in the Menopause Rating Scale total (change over time, 9.2 points and 3.5 points, respectively; P = 0.008) and psychology subcategory (change over time, 6.5 points and 0.9 points, respectively; P = 0.004) of Menopause Rating Scale scores, compared with the CBT group. In addition, the music therapy group increased their quality of life psychological score, but the CBT group did not. These results suggest that music therapy can help the psychological and emotional symptoms of perimenopausal women and is effective for treatment. The study result provides a therapeutic basis for developing treatments for nonpharmacological mediation.