Effectiveness of Group Therapy Compared to Waiting List, Pharmacotherapy, and Individual Therapy скачать в хорошем качестве

Effectiveness of Group Therapy Compared to Waiting List, Pharmacotherapy, and Individual Therapy

Effectiveness of Group Therapy Compared to Waiting List, Pharmacotherapy, and Individual Therapy a) Compared to Waiting List: Meta-analyses consistently show that structured group therapy is significantly superior to no treatment or waiting list controls. Clients on waiting lists usually exhibit symptom stagnation or worsening, whereas those in group therapy demonstrate moderate to large improvements in mood, anxiety, social functioning, and coping skills. For example, studies on group cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety disorders show effect sizes ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 compared to waiting list, indicating clinically meaningful benefits. b) Compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU): Group therapy generally outperforms treatment as usual, especially when TAU means minimal or non-structured care (like periodic check-ins or non-directive support). For mood and anxiety disorders, adding group therapy to TAU (like standard medical follow-up) provides greater symptom reduction and functional gains. In substance use disorders, group interventions (e.g., relapse prevention groups, 12-step facilitation) show clear benefits over routine care alone. However, the magnitude varies based on diagnosis and the quality of both TAU and the group intervention. c) Compared to Pharmacotherapy: The comparative effectiveness of group therapy and medication depends on the condition: For mild to moderate depression, group CBT shows comparable symptom reduction to antidepressants, with the added advantage of imparting lasting coping skills. For severe depression or psychotic disorders, pharmacotherapy remains the primary treatment; group therapy is best used as an adjunct, not a substitute. For anxiety disorders, group CBT often equals medication in short-term symptom control and has better relapse prevention when followed up long-term, due to skill generalisation. Overall, the consensus is that a combination of psychotherapy (group or individual) plus medication yields the best outcomes for moderate to severe cases. d) Compared to Individual Therapy: The direct comparison between group and individual therapy is nuanced: For many common mental health conditions (depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety), well-designed group CBT achieves similar efficacy to individual CBT. For complex trauma, personality disorders, or severe interpersonal issues, individual therapy may show a modest advantage due to tailored, intensive focus. Groups excel in delivering unique interpersonal learning and peer support, while individual therapy allows deeper exploration of private conflicts. Cochrane reviews and NICE guidelines often conclude: “For most patients with mild to moderate mood or anxiety disorders, group therapy is as effective as individual therapy, and often more cost-efficient.”