A Randomized Trial of Cognitive Group Therapy vs Waiting List for Patients with Co-Morbid Psychiatric Disorders: Effect of Cognitive Group Therapy after Treatment and Six and Twelve Months Follow-Up

Title

A Randomized Trial of Cognitive Group Therapy vs Waiting List for Patients with Co-Morbid Psychiatric Disorders: Effect of Cognitive Group Therapy after Treatment and Six and Twelve Months Follow-Up

Reference

Hagen, R., Nordahl, H. M., Kristiansen, L., & Morken, G. (2005). A Randomized Trial of Cognitive Group Therapy vs Waiting List for Patients with Co-Morbid Psychiatric Disorders: Effect of Cognitive Group Therapy after Treatment and Six and Twelve Months Follow-Up. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 33(1), 33-44. doi:10.1017/S1352465804001754

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of cognitive group therapy compared to a waiting list in a sample of patients with heterogeneous non-psychotic disorders. Participants in this study were referred from either the psychiatric in- or outpatient clinic at the psychiatric university hospital in Trondheim, Norway. The patients were assessed with SCID I and SCID II, and randomized either to cognitive group therapy (n=15) or to a waiting list (n=17). Self-report assessments of symptoms and interpersonal difficulties were administered at the start of therapy, after termination of therapy (8 weeks), and at 6 months and 12 months follow-up. Thirty-two patients completed 8 weeks of therapy. Results showed that an 8-week program of CBGT performed better than the waiting list controls, on symptom relief at post-treatment for all patients. The effects of therapy were still upheld at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Cognitive therapy seems to be useful and effective in a group format in naturalistic clinical settings, with patients suffering from various forms of non-psychotic co-morbid psychiatric disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

cognitive group therapy; comorbid psychiatric disorders; treatment effectiveness; waiting list condition; Cognitive Therapy; Comorbidity; Group Psychotherapy; Mental Disorders; Treatment Effectiveness Evaluation; Cognition; Waiting Lists;

Country

Norway

Sample type

Clinical

Study focus

Other therapy effectiveness or acceptability

Study design

RCT