RESUMO
Aims: This pilot study investigated the effect and feasibility of a group cognitive behavioural therapy program in a Japanese community setting. Methodology: Participants were five patients with major depression. Ten weekly 1-hour sessions of group cognitive behavioural therapy was conducted in a Japanese community setting. Outcomes were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Statistical comparison of means was performed using nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test using normal approximation, and effect sizes (d) was used to compare depression scores before and after the intervention. Results: Group cognitive behavioural therapy appears to be significantly efficacious in a Japanese community setting, with an effect size of .85. The present results are similar to those found in clinical settings. Discussion: Adapting group cognitive behaviour programs to Japanese community settings can contribute to improved mental health in this country. The limitations of this study are the sample size was very small, measurement is self-reported questionnaire and conducted in a community setting as an uncontrolled, naturalistic pilot study. Controlled studies are needed and would provide a more convincing demonstration of the program’s efficacy in Japanese community settings.
RESUMO
Aims: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the evidence-based treatments for depression. However, some patients high in self-criticism do not respond to CBT. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is featured in treating self-criticism and shame, and some trials have reported its effectiveness on depression in individual and group settings. The aim of this study is to adapt an established combined manual of group CBT and CFT, evaluate its efficacy as a pilot study, and discuss the advantages of group CBT (GCBT) program using compassion as a depression therapy in a Japanese community setting. Design and Methods: In this single group study, participants will receive 10 sessions of GCBT with compassion training that was provided through the CFT. All sessions will last for 1 hour and be provided weekly. The outcome measure is the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the secondary outcome is the Self-Compassion Scale in Japanese. Both outcomes will be measured pre- and post-program. The sample size will be 15 participants due to the limited capacity for intervention within the community. Discussion: It is expected that the program will show a larger effect size than that of GCBT reported in previous studies on depression and self-compassion. The results will show an effect size that justifies the introduction of a randomized controlled study to improve the program. Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry 000015007 https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&type=summary&language=J&recptno=R000016862. Conclusion: CFT or compassion training can augment the treatment of major depression using CBT. Despite several limitations, this clinical trial may help estimate the effectiveness of CFT, which will aid in the design of a further controlled study.