Depression, Anxiety and Self-esteem: A Clinical Field Study

2002 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise A. Nisbet Wallis

AbstractThe Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Group Program at Central Coast Mental Health Specialty Clinics includes treatments for generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. This study provides empirical validation for hypotheses developed in clinical controlled studies; that is, that cognitive-behaviour therapy provided benefits in the treatment of anxiety and depression in a service setting. This would be reflected in decreases in the symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased self-esteem. Participants (N = 139) were referred to Specialty Clinics, Central Coast Mental Health Services for treatment for depression and/or anxiety in CBT groups. They were tested on the BDI, STAI and the SERS at three time points, prior to entering the group, at termination of the group and at 3-month follow-up. Depression and anxiety symptoms decreased and self-esteem increased between pre- and post-group and the trends continued to 3-month follow-up.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaby Resmark ◽  
Brigid Kennedy ◽  
Maria Mayer ◽  
Katrin Giel ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
...  

Standardised treatment manuals facilitate therapy planning and enhance comparability for research purposes. Within the Anorexia Nervosa Treatment of Out Patients (ANTOP) study, the largest multisite outpatient intervention trial in anorexia nervosa (AN) to date, manualised enhanced cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-E) was offered as one treatment modality. The manual consisted of 9 modules, of which Motivation, Nutrition, Formulation and Relapse Prevention were compulsory. Homework worksheets were provided, to ensure the transfer of therapeutic improvements to daily life. This study investigated the use of modules and worksheets in order to explore practice styles of trained therapists in the treatment of AN. This secondary analysis was based on log-sheets (n = 2604) CBT-E therapists completed after each session. Frequencies of modules and worksheets used across all sessions were calculated. Relationships, such as that between use of module and duration of illness, were examined. The most commonly used module was Motivation. In patients with longer illness duration, the module Self Esteem seemed to be particularly important. The worksheet Scales, balancing the pros and cons of AN, was prioritised by therapists. The results underline the importance of motivational work in the treatment of AN, including validating the ambivalence experienced by most AN patients. With increasing duration of illness, resource-oriented elements, such as self esteem stabilisation, should be of focus.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Nunes Vilaza ◽  
Darragh McCashin

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for mental health support across the whole spectrum of the population. Where global demand outweighs the supply of mental health services, established interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have been adapted from traditional face-to-face interaction to technology-assisted formats. One such notable development is the emergence of Artificially Intelligent (AI) conversational agents for psychotherapy. Pre-pandemic, these adaptations had demonstrated some positive results; but they also generated debate due to a number of ethical and societal challenges. This article commences with a critical overview of both positive and negative aspects concerning the role of AI-CBT in its present form. Thereafter, an ethical framework is applied with reference to the themes of (1) beneficence, (2) non-maleficence, (3) autonomy, (4) justice, and (5) explicability. These themes are then discussed in terms of practical recommendations for future developments. Although automated versions of therapeutic support may be of appeal during times of global crises, ethical thinking should be at the core of AI-CBT design, in addition to guiding research, policy, and real-world implementation as the world considers post-COVID-19 society.


Author(s):  
Samantha Swartzman ◽  
Jenny Kerr ◽  
Rowena McElhinney

Abstract Background: Self-esteem is a common factor in many mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. A cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based protocol called ‘Overcoming Low Self-Esteem’ is available; the use of this protocol in a group format has been associated with improvements in self-esteem. However, it is unclear whether improvements persist after the end of a group-based version of this programme. Aims: We aimed to assess whether changes in self-esteem, anxiety and depression persist 3 months after the end of a group version of the Overcoming Low Self-Esteem programme. Method: Using data from the National Health Service in Fife, Scotland, we analysed whether there were improvements on self-report measures of self-esteem, anxiety and depression from the beginning of the group to the end of the group and at a follow-up session 3 months later. Results: Significant improvements in self-esteem, anxiety and depression are maintained at 3 months follow-up. Conclusions: The Overcoming Low Self-Esteem group seems to be associated with improved self-esteem, anxiety and depression. However, further research from randomised controlled trials is needed to establish a causal link between the programme and improved psychological outcomes.


2002 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Wade ◽  
Libby Birchmore ◽  
Christine Hobby

Background: People experiencing psychological distress after a cardiac event may require special follow-up and targeted interventions in order to effectively decrease levels of distress. Aims: Men who were judged to be experiencing poor emotional adjustment post-myocardial infarction (MI) were invited to a cognitive behaviour therapy group. The current study examines the attendance at such a group and the consequent feasibility of such interventions. Method: The content of the group aimed to help men deal with the uncomfortable psychosocial issues that had arisen since having a MI. Results: Of the 26 men approached only 30% were interested in attending and only 11% actually completed the group. Two men who were committed to attending the group could not complete all the sessions, as heart bypass operations became available to them. Conclusion: Ways of involving men in interventions targeting psychological distress requires ongoing investigation.


2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna L. Steele ◽  
Sue Waite ◽  
Sarah J. Egan ◽  
Janelle Finnigan ◽  
Alicia Handley ◽  
...  

Background: Research indicates that psycho-education and cognitive behavioural interventions can reduce perfectionism but to date no group treatments have been examined. Aims: The current study utilized a case series design to compare psycho-education materials and subsequent eight-week group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to a baseline waitlist in an outpatient community psychiatry sample (n = 21). Method: Participants were assessed on five occasions: baseline, 4 weeks later (waitlist), 4 weeks after receiving psycho-education material, post-treatment (8 weeks after receiving the group intervention), and 3-month follow-up. Results: There was a main effect of time for perfectionism and negative affect from baseline to post-group (effect sizes ranging from 1.46 to 1.91) that were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: These results suggested that group CBT for clinical perfectionism may be beneficial, but that psycho-education alone is not effective for reducing perfectionism or negative affect.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa Pencer ◽  
Victoria C. Patterson ◽  
Meghan A. Rossi ◽  
Lori Wozney

BACKGROUND Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) is a necessary step towards increasing the accessibility of mental health services. Yet, few iCBT programs have been evaluated for their fidelity to therapeutic principles of CBT or usability standards. Additionally, many existing iCBT programs do not include treatments targeting both anxiety and depression – commonly co-occurring conditions. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the usability and fidelity of Tranquility, a novel iCBT program for anxiety, to CBT principles, and engage in a co-design process to adapt Tranquility to include treatment elements for depression. METHODS CBT experts (n = 6) and mental health informed peers (n = 6) reviewed the iCBT program Tranquility. CBT experts assessed Tranquility’s fidelity to CBT principles and were asked to identify necessary interventions for depression using two simulated client case examples. Mental health informed peers engaged in two co-design focus groups to discuss adaptations to the existing anxiety program and the integration of interventions for depression. Both groups completed online surveys assessing Tranquility’s usability and the likelihood that they would recommend the program. RESULTS CBT experts’ mean rating of Tranquility’s fidelity to CBT was 91%, indicating a high fidelity to CBT. Five out of six CBT experts and all mental health informed peers (88% of participants) rated Tranquility as satisfactory, indicating that they may recommend Tranquility to others, and they rated its usability highly (M = 76.56, SD = 14.07). Mental health informed peers provided suggestions about how to leverage engagement with Tranquility (e.g., add incentives, notification control). CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study demonstrated Tranquility’s strong fidelity to CBT and usability standards. Results highlight the importance of involving stakeholders in the co-design process and future opportunities to increase engagement.


Author(s):  
Sarah Beattie ◽  
David Beattie

AbstractSelf-esteem refers to how an individual appraises themselves and is associated with good mental health. A number of studies have identified the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of low self-esteem based on the formulation and treatment trajectory developed by Fennell (1999). However, there has been little empirical enquiry into the efficacy of the programme delivered in primary care. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a CBT programme for low self-esteem delivered within primary care. Fifty-four participants attended a 9-week ‘Boost Your Mood’ group programme. Paired sample t-tests were conducted on pre- and post-group scores on measures of depression, anxiety and self-esteem. Results indicated that there were statistically significant improvements in levels of depression, anxiety and self-esteem post-treatment. Findings are consistent with the suggestion that group CBT may be effective at increasing levels of self-esteem and reducing levels of depression and anxiety when delivered in a primary care setting.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 673-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Andersen ◽  
Paul Toner ◽  
Martin Bland ◽  
Dean McMillan

Background: Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) seeks to identify core cognitive-behavioural processes hypothesized to be important across a range of disorders and to develop a treatment that targets these. This contrasts with standard CBT approaches that are disorder-specific. Proponents of transdiagnostic CBT suggest that it may offer advantages over disorder-specific CBT, but little is known about the effectiveness of this approach. Aims: The review aimed to summarize trial-based clinical and cost-effectiveness data on transdiagnostic CBT for anxiety and depression. Method: A systematic review of electronic databases, including peer-reviewed and grey literature sources, was conducted (n = 1167 unique citations). Results: Eight trials were eligible for inclusion in the review. There was evidence of an effect for transdiagnostic CBT when compared to a control condition. There were no differences between transdiagnostic CBT and active treatments in two studies. We found no evidence of cost-effectiveness data. Conclusions: Quality assessment of the primary studies indicated a number of methodological concerns that may serve to inflate the observed effects of transdiagnostic approaches. Although there are positive signs of the value of transdiagnostic CBT, there is as yet insufficient evidence to recommend its use in place of disorder-specific CBT.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamon Aswad ◽  
Keith Gaynor

2020 saw the world affected by an unprecedented pandemic. Alongside the healthrisks, the COVID-19 pandemic has created mental health difficulties for a largenumber of people. Many people are feeling anxious or depressed, in ways that they might never have before.This eight module Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook is designed to support those who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression because of the COVID-19 crisis. This workbook has been created to provide psycho-education and self-help techniques to manage COVID-19 related distress.The workbook includes a variety of cognitive and behavioural strategies including;mindfulness exercises, gradual exposure to feared situations, physical coping skills, reducing unhelpful behaviours that contribute to anxiety (e.g. avoidance), reducing worry, maintaining identity and testing out beliefs about COVID-19.It is recommended that this workbook can be completed by anyone who is over the age of eighteen. The Coping During COVID-19 Workbook doesn’t replace formal psychological or medical support but may be an additional resource.


2006 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Rigby ◽  
Sandy Waite

This was a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) group for formulation and treatment of low self-esteem, with emphasis on the use of creative approaches (stories, metaphors and experiential exercises) to enhance memory and learning. Evaluation of outcome for 72 clients attending these groups indicates that this is a successful intervention in terms of self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Qualitative feedback has been very positive and there has been a steady and increasing demand in terms of referrals.


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