Problem-based self-care groups versus cognitive behavioural therapy for persons on sick leave due to common mental...

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Mental health interventions
• Psychological therapies

Background:

• Common mental disorders frequently lead to sick leave.
• Effective interventions are crucial for return-to-work.
• Problem-based methods (PBM) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are potential treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of PBM versus CBT.
• To evaluate interventions for mental health and work ability.
• To assess outcomes for individuals on sick leave due to mental health conditions.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing PBM and CBT groups.
• Utilized Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Stress and Crisis Inventory 93 (SCI-93), and Dialogue about Working Ability (DOA) for outcome measurement.

Main Results:

• Both PBM and CBT groups showed reduced anxiety and depression symptoms (HADS).
• CBT significantly improved stress (SCI-93) and work ability (DOA) more than PBM.
• CBT was superior across most SCI-93 and DOA subscales, with comparable anxiety reduction.

Conclusions:

• PBM can alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.
• CBT is more effective than PBM for overall mental health symptom reduction and work ability.
• Both interventions show promise, but CBT offers broader benefits for this population.