A group cognitive behaviour therapy programme with metastatic breast cancer patients

Psychooncology. 1999 Jul-Aug;8(4):295-305. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1611(199907/08)8:4<295::AID-PON386>3.0.CO;2-Y.

Abstract

One-hundred and twenty-four patients with metastatic breast cancer were randomised to either a group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) intervention, or to a no-therapy control group condition. Both groups received standard oncological care; however, therapy recipients also attended eight weekly sessions of group CBT, followed by a family night, and three further monthly sessions. Patients completed the 'Profile of Mood States' (POMS) and the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (CSI) before and after therapy, and at 3 and 6 month follow-up periods. Outcome data in the period following therapy showed reduced depression and total mood disturbance, as well as improved self-esteem amongst therapy participants, relative to a no-therapy control group. These improvements were no longer evident at the 3 or 6 month follow-up assessments. We also report on the difficulties associated with conducting a group intervention with this patient cohort.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome