Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy Conducted by Clinical Psychologists for Individuals with Major Depression : CBGT Program Conducted in a University Hospital(<Special Issue>Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression Provided by Psychologists in Japan)

Abstract

The present study examined effectiveness of combined cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) and medication for patients with major depression. The cognitive behavioral group therapy program, which consisted of 12 structured sessions including psycho-education, self-monitoring, behavior activation, challenging and restructuring negative thinking, was conducted by clinical psychologists at Hiroshima University Hospital. At baseline, termination of treatment, and 12-month follow-up, patients (N-74) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) , the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) , the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) , the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) , the Automatic Thought Questionnaire-Revised (ATQ-R) , and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS). The post-treatment scores on the 4 measurement instruments were significantly lower after the treatment. In addition, the scores on the Global Assessment of Functioning scale and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey were significantly higher than the baseline scores. In other words, the patients improved on all measurements of psychosocial functioning and mood symptoms. Their improvement in depressive symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and dysfunctional cognitions were sustained at 12 months following the completion of the group-cognitive behavioral therapy.