Abstract
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an effective treatment for depression; however, its accessibility remains a challenge. To address this, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally attuned nurse-led CBT manual in reducing depressive symptoms for Chinese individuals with depression. A parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted in two psychiatric clinics in Hong Kong, comparing five weekly sessions of group CBT delivered by psychiatric nurses to treatment-as-usual care. Out of the 110 outpatients who provided consent, 56 received CBT with 100% attendance rate. After 5 weeks, significant reductions in depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] scores: β = –1.81, 95% CI [–3.34, –.29], p = .021) and anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7] scores: β = –1.39, 95% CI [–2.73, –.05], p = .043) were observed. Additionally, participants reported increased subjective happiness (Subjective Happiness Scale [SHS] scores: β = 2.33, 95% CI [1.30, 3.36], p < .001) and improved psychological well-being (psychological subscale of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF [WHOQOL-BREF]: β = .77, 95% CI [.01, 1.53], p = .047). The study demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefits of integrating nurse-led CBT into routine psychiatric outpatient care for individuals with depression.
