Evaluation of a cognitive behavioural self-help manual for reducing depression: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Depression prevalence is rising in Thailand.
• Moderate depression affects many individuals in Chiang Mai Province.
• Community-based mental health interventions are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help program for reducing depression.
• To compare a bibliotherapy intervention with standard care for moderate depression.
• To assess the impact of a self-help manual on depression levels in a Thai population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 56 participants diagnosed with moderate depression.
• Participants were assigned to either a self-help intervention group (n=27) or a control group (n=29).
• The intervention group received a self-help manual alongside standard care, while the control group received only standard care. Both groups had weekly telephone calls.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in depression levels from baseline to post-test.
• The control group experienced an increase in depression levels over the same period.
• Both groups showed decreased depression between post-test and follow-up, but the intervention group maintained significantly lower levels.

Conclusions:

• Bibliotherapy, as a self-help intervention, is effective in reducing moderate depression.
• The self-help program can be a valuable adjunct to traditional mental health care provided by nurses and other professionals.
• This approach shows promise for managing depression in community settings in Thailand.