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Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural group therapy for social anxiety disorder: long-term benefits and aftercare.
- Source :
-
Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy [Behav Cogn Psychother] 2019 Sep; Vol. 47 (5), pp. 501-513. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Mar 28. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Background: Empirical research demonstrates the short- to medium-term efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Little is known about the durability of gains beyond 1 year following treatment in real-life clinical settings. Literature regarding the impact of aftercare programs as an adjunct to CBGT treatment on SAD is scarce.<br />Aims: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of CBGT for SAD in a community sample and to explore the relationship between long-term treatment outcomes and aftercare support group attendance.<br />Method: A longitudinal cohort design evaluated changes in standardized psychological measures assessing aspects of SAD, anxiety and depression. Questionnaires were completed before the program (time 1, N = 457), after the program (time 2, n = 369) and at an average of 4.6 years follow-up (time 3, n = 138).<br />Results: Large treatment effect sizes at post-intervention were maintained at long-term follow-up on measures of SAD, anxiety and depression. There was no statistically significant relationship between frequency of attendance at an aftercare support group and degree of improvement from post-treatment severity on any measure.<br />Conclusions: CBGT is an effective intervention in the long-term in a routine clinical setting and should be considered a viable treatment option for SAD. Recommendations for future research, treatment implications and study limitations are considered.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Anxiety diagnosis
Anxiety psychology
Anxiety therapy
Cohort Studies
Depression diagnosis
Depression psychology
Depression therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Phobia, Social psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
Aftercare
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Phobia, Social diagnosis
Phobia, Social therapy
Psychotherapy, Group
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1469-1833
- Volume :
- 47
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30919793
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465819000079