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Cognitive self-therapy for chronic depression and anxiety: a multi-centre randomized controlled study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2006

PETER C. A. M. DEN BOER ,
DURK WIERSMA ,
INGE TEN VAARWERK ,
MARK M. SPAN ,
A. DENNIS STANT  and
ROBERT J. VAN DEN BOSCH
PETER C. A. M. DEN BOER
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
DURK WIERSMA
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
INGE TEN VAARWERK
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
MARK M. SPAN
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Technology Assessment, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
A. DENNIS STANT
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Technology Assessment, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
ROBERT J. VAN DEN BOSCH
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract

Background. Non-professional treatment programmes are presumed to relieve the extensive need for care of anxiety and depression disorders. This study investigates the effectiveness of cognitive self- therapy (CST) in the treatment of depression or generalized anxiety disorder.

Method. Patients (n=151) were randomized to receive CST or treatment as usual (TAU) in a trial lasting for 18 months, measuring symptoms (SCL-90; main outcome), social functions, quality of life and utilization of care.

Results. Patients in both conditions improved significantly, but no difference was found between the conditions. Reduction of symptoms, improvement of social functions and medical utilization were maintained at the end of the 18 months. Medical care utilization (therapist contact and hospitalization) was lower for CST than for TAU. No suicides occurred.

Conclusions. Cognitive self-therapy is likely to decrease the need for care of chronic depression and anxiety disorders, but it has not been proven to be more effective than treatment as usual.

Type
Original Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 37 , Issue 3 , March 2007 , pp. 329 - 339
Copyright
2006 Cambridge University Press

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