Cognitive behaviour therapy self-help: who does it help and what are its drawbacks?

MacLeod, M., Martinez, R. and Williams, C.J. (2009) Cognitive behaviour therapy self-help: who does it help and what are its drawbacks? Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 37(1), pp. 61-72. (doi: 10.1017/S1352465808005031)

Abstract

Background: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy self-help has been recommended in the NICE guidelines for the treatment of anxiety and depression. However, little is known about who benefits from self-help and the potential drawbacks and problems of using this approach. Aims: To address the current gap in knowledge, we contacted accredited BABCP practitioners to examine practitioner use and attitudes to self-help, current trends Of use, and to identify possible problems with this therapy. Method: A 50% random sample of all accredited BABCP practitioners was approached, and the overall response rate for the Survey was 57.6%. Results: Self-help materials were seen positively by therapists and Were used by 99.6%, mainly as an adjunct to individual therapy. Only 38.2% had been trained in the use of self-help, with those trained being, more likely to recommend self-help. Higher levels of patient motivation, credibility, likely adherence, self-efficacy and a lower degree of hopelessness were the live factors identified by more than 70% of respondents as predicting Successful Patient outcome with self-help. Non-compliance and a lack of detection of a worsening of the patient's clinical state due to reduced therapist contact were viewed as being the most important problems with self-help by more than 70% of respondents. Conclusions: Preferable patient characteristics for self-help have been identified, as have potential problems and adverse consequences.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Williams, Professor Christopher and MacLeod, Mr Martin
• Authors: MacLeod, M., Martinez, R., and Williams, C.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
• ISSN: 1352-4658