Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie in und mit Gruppen – Ein Behandlungsprogramm für depressive Patienten in stationärer Behandlung

Authors:
  • MBM. Backenstraß
    M. Backenstraß
  • KKK.-T. Kronmüller
    K.-T. Kronmüller
  • TST. Schwarz
    T. Schwarz
  • CRC. Reck
    C. Reck
  • MKM. Karr
    M. Karr
  • KKK. Kocherscheidt
    K. Kocherscheidt
  • ESE. Schifferer
    E. Schifferer
  • RNR. Niethammer
    R. Niethammer
  • MWM. Weisbrod
    M. Weisbrod
  • CMC. Mundt
    C. Mundt
  • PFP. Fiedler
    P. Fiedler
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Abstract
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy with and within Groups – A Treatment Program for Depressed Inpatients Background: Extensive research of cognitive behavioral therapy shows that it is an effective treatment for unipolar major depression. As the setting (e.g. inpatient vs. outpatient treatment) can influence therapeutic outcome, it is argued that modifications on treatment programs should take such settings into account. The modified treatment programs should then be evaluated within these settings. Based on these arguments, a group psychotherapy program was set up combining disorder-specific components (increasing pleasant activities and modification of dysfunctional thoughts) with a group psychotherapy approach that is more open regarding individual treatment goals. Method: The treatment program was evaluated within a naturalistic single group design. Patients who were hospitalized for unipolar major depression and took part on a therapy group were assessed pre- and post-therapy and at a 6-months follow- up. Results: 71 inpatients participated in 9 therapy groups and completed the program. Only a small number of patients (13.3%) dropped out before the end of treatment, which was interpreted as a high acceptance. The pre-post changes in degree of depressiveness (BDI, HAMD) and the 6-month follow-up results were similar to those of other controlled studies. Discussion: The advantages and disadvantages of a group psychotherapy approach are discussed, together with the limitations of the study.