Community-based group guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress: randomised controlled trial

Williams, C. , McClay, C.-A., Matthews, L. , McConnachie, A. , Haig, C. , Walker, A. and Morrison, J. (2018) Community-based group guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress: randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Psychiatry, 212(2), pp. 88-95. (doi: 10.1192/bjp.2017.18) (PMID:29436324)

Abstract

Background: To date no studies have explored the effectiveness of written cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) resources for low mood and stress delivered via a course of self-help classes in a community setting. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week community-based CBT self-help group classes on symptoms of depression, anxiety and social function at 6 months (trial registration: ISRCTN86292664). Method: In total, 142 participants were randomly allocated to immediate (n = 71) or delayed access to a low-intensity CBT intervention (n = 71). Measures of depression, anxiety and social function were collected at baseline and 6 months. Results: There was a significant improvement for the primary outcome of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score (mean betweengroup difference: –3.64, 95% CI –6.06 to –1.23; P = 0.004). The percentage of participants reducing their PHQ-9 score between baseline and 6 months by 50% or more was 17.9% for the delayed access group and 43.8% for the immediate access group. Secondary outcomes also improved including anxiety and social function. The intervention was cost neutral. The probabilities of a net benefit at willingness to pay thresholds of £20 000, £25 000 or £30 000 were 0.928, 0.944 and 0.955, respectively. Conclusions: Low-intensity class-based CBT delivered within a community setting is effective for reducing depression, anxiety and impaired social function at little additional cost.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McConnachie, Professor Alex and Williams, Professor Christopher and Walker, Dr Andrew and Matthews, Dr Lynsay and Mcclay, Miss Carrie-Anne and Haig, Dr Caroline and Morrison, Professor Jill
• Authors: Williams, C., McClay, C.-A., Matthews, L., McConnachie, A., Haig, C., Walker, A., and Morrison, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
• Journal Name: British Journal of Psychiatry
• Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• ISSN (Online): 1472-1465
• Published Online: 01 February 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
• First Published: First published in British Journal of Psychiatry 212(2):88-95
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
58650	1	A randomised controlled trial of a community based group guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress.	Christopher Williams	Office of the Chief Scientist (CSO)	CZH/4/738	IHW - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING