Introducing a Group Therapy Program (PLAN D) for Young Outpatients with Derealization and Depersonalization: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Depersonalization-derealization (DD) disorder significantly impacts individuals' well-being and social functioning.
• Existing treatments, like individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), show some efficacy but a need for more effective interventions persists.
• The chronic nature of DD disorder necessitates the development of accessible and targeted therapeutic strategies.

Discussion:

• The PLAN D program integrates psychoeducation, lifestyle adjustments, acceptance, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring tailored for DD.
• This group therapy model addresses specific needs unmet by individual treatments.
• The pilot study evaluates the feasibility and initial impact of this novel group intervention.

Key Insights:

• A novel 8-week group intervention, PLAN D, was developed for adolescents and young adults with DD disorder.
• PLAN D is founded on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, incorporating unique elements for DD.
• This represents a potentially significant advancement, as standardized group interventions for DD are currently lacking.

Outlook:

• This pilot study provides a foundation for future research into the efficacy of group-based CBT for DD.
• Further investigation is warranted to establish PLAN D's long-term effectiveness and its impact on functional outcomes.
• The development of standardized group programs could enhance treatment accessibility and outcomes for individuals with DD disorder.