Stress management groups in general practice: a pilot randomised trial.
BACKGROUND
Stress management delivered to groups of psychologically stressed patients effectively decreases their distress. This study investigated the effects of stress management delivered by Australian general practitioners.


METHODS
In a pilot randomised controlled trial, stress management was provided to a group of 11 patients whose outcomes were compared with another six patients acting as wait listed controls. Standard psychological questionnaires were administered before the course and 1 week and 2 months after.


RESULTS
At 1 week there were significant improvements in intervention group scores compared to controls in two out of 6 measures: the Positive and Negative Affect Scales. At 2 months there was only one significant improvement (brief disability days). There were no significant differences in the Kessler 10, self rated stress levels or brief disability score.


CONCLUSIONS
Group stress management delivered by GPs may help distressed patients and should be further investigated for effectiveness and cost effectiveness.
Malcolm
Helen
H
Rural Clinical School, University of Tasmania. hmalcolm@bigpond.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires