Reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: The effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy

Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2023 Jul:112:105456. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105456. Epub 2023 May 22.

Abstract

Introduction: /Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy in depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson's Tehran city.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with experimental and control groups at pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Patients 60-75 years old with Parkinson's disease centers and psychiatric services made up the study population. Based on a random sample of 90 people in Tehran city who scored highly on both the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Scale, in two 45-person groups-the experimental group and the control group-were randomly assigned. The experimental group underwent group cognitive behavioral therapy for 8 weeks, while the control group just received training once per week. Methods of analysis of variance with repeated measures were employed to test the hypotheses.

Results: The outcomes showed the independent variable is successful in lowering symptoms of anxiety and depression. Patients with Parkinson's disease who participated in group cognitive behavioral therapy for stress reduction showed a reduction in their anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Effective psychological interventions, like group cognitive behavioral therapy, can improve mood, lessen anxiety and depression, and help patients adhere more closely to treatment guidelines. As a result, these patients can help prevent the complications of Parkinson's disease and take effective action to raise their level of physical and mental health.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Group cognitive behavioral therapy; Parkinson's.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression / therapy
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease* / complications
  • Parkinson Disease* / psychology
  • Parkinson Disease* / therapy