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Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) for social anxiety disorder: immediate and long-term benefits

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2013

Odhran McCarthy ,
David Hevey ,
Amy Brogan  and
Brendan D. Kelly
Odhran McCarthy*
Affiliation:
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
David Hevey
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Amy Brogan
Affiliation:
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Brendan D. Kelly
Affiliation:
Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Author for correspondence: Dr O. McCarthy, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 63 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland (email: [email protected]).
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Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of a group CBT (CBGT) intervention in reducing a variety of symptoms and problem areas associated with social anxiety disorder. A longitudinal cohort design assessed changes in standardized psychological scales assessing general mood and specific aspects of social anxiety. Questionnaires were completed pre-programme (time 1, n = 252), post-programme (time 2, n = 202), and at 12 months follow-up (time 3, n = 93). A consistent significant pattern was found for all variables: pre-intervention scores were significantly higher than both post-intervention scores and 12-month follow-up scores. Large effect sizes were found and rates of clinical significant changes varied, with over half of the participants recording clinically significant changes in general mood. Individual CBT can be translated successfully into a group format for social anxiety. Given the high completion rate, the intervention is acceptable to participants, feasible, and effective in a routine clinical service.

Keywords

Cognitive behaviour therapygroup therapysocial anxietytreatment outcome
Type
Original Research
Information
the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Volume 6 , 2013 , e5
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2013 

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References

Recommended follow-up reading

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