Schema therapy for chronic depression: Results of a multiple single case series

Abstract Background and objectives The aim of this study was to test the effects of individual schema therapy (ST) for patients with chronic depression. Methods Using a multiple-baseline single case series design, patients with chronic major depressive disorder ( N  = 25) first entered a 6–24 weeks...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry 2016-06, Vol.51, p.66-73
Main Authors: Renner, Fritz, Arntz, Arnoud, Peeters, Frenk P.M.L, Lobbestael, Jill, Huibers, Marcus J.H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Body Image - psychology
Chronic depression
Chronic Disease
Depression - psychology
Depression - therapy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Imagery (Psychotherapy) - methods
Male
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Patient Compliance
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychiatry
Psychological treatment
Regression Analysis
Schema therapy
Single case series
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Background and objectives The aim of this study was to test the effects of individual schema therapy (ST) for patients with chronic depression. Methods Using a multiple-baseline single case series design, patients with chronic major depressive disorder ( N  = 25) first entered a 6–24 weeks baseline phase; this phase functioned as a no-treatment control condition. Then, patients started a 12 week exploration phase during which symptoms and underlying schemas were explored; this phase functioned as an attention control condition. Next, patients received up to 65 sessions of individual ST. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) were the primary outcome measures. The BDI-II was assessed once a week during all phases of the study resulting in 100 repeated assessments per participant on average. Mixed regression analysis was used to contrast change in symptoms during the intervention with change in symptoms during the baseline and exploration control phases. Results When compared to the no-treatment control period, the intervention had a significant, large effect on depressive symptoms (Cohen's d BDI-II = 1.30; Cohen's d QIDS = 1.22). Effects on secondary continuous outcomes were moderate to large. Limitations The small sample size and lack of a control group. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that ST might be an effective treatment for patients with chronic depression.
ISSN:0005-7916
1873-7943
DOI:10.1016/j.jbtep.2015.12.001