Comparing effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in adults with depression using group cognitive behavioural therapy versus individual cognitive behavioural therapy

Abstract

Depression is a major health challenge commonly diagnosed in adults; effective intervention will aid in reducing its symptoms. Curran, Machin & Gournay (2006) acknowledged that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating depression. Despite its availability, some people could not afford this treatment. CBT has particular benefits delivered in distinct formats which aim to facilitate access to the treatment. Evidence-based research is in favour of an individual format in contrast to group format (Gudmond et al., 2014.) The aim of this critical appraisal was to compare the effectiveness of the CBT using individual and group formats on depressive adults. The following question was formulated: “In adults with depression, is Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (GCBT) more effective than Individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) in symptom reduction?” Adults with depression were the targeted population. GCBT was the intervention. ICBT was the comparison while the expected outcome was a reduction in depressive symptoms. Reputable databases available online at the university of Malta library such as Academic-Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, Google Scholar and PubMed were used to carry out the research. To identify new studies, PICO framework and different keywords were used. The selected studies were assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Critical appraisal tools CASP (CASP Team, 2006) were used to appraise the twelve English published, full-texts identified between 2004 and 2016. The results clearly indicated significant similarities between GCBT and ICBT; however, the PICO question was not completely answered since both formats were found to considerably reduce depressive symptoms. This study recommended several developments with regards to management, education, research, practice and policy. The importance of educating the general public and staff members was highlighted and was followed by suggestions for the implementation of the recommended strategies.