title: A randomized controlled trial of group cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese breast cancer patients with major depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to evaluate the effects of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (GCBT) in treating major depression in Chinese women with breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-two breast cancer patients diagnosed with major depression were randomly assigned to GCBT group (N = 31) or a waiting list control group provided with an educational booklet (N = 31). The primary outcome measure was the 17-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17-HAMD). The second outcome measures were Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast and Self-Esteem Scale (SES). Assessments were carried out at completion of the study and six-month afterwards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients in the GCBT group had a significant reduction in the 17-HAMD mean score by 9 points (p < 0.001), more than any reduction among patients in the control group from baseline to the end of therapy and a significant 7 points (p < 0.001) more reduction from baseline to six-month follow-up. GCBT also yielded significantly greater improvement than the control group with regard to quality of life (QoL; p < 0.01) and self-esteem (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups on improving anxiety (p > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this trial suggest that GCBT is effective for treating major depression, as well as for improving QoL and self-esteem in breast cancer patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Chictr.org ChiCTR-TRC-11001689.
authors: Department of Clinical Psychology, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
authors: Jianyin
authors: J
authors: Qiu
authors: Weijun
authors: W
authors: Chen
authors: Xiufei
authors: X
authors: Gao
authors: Yong
authors: Y
authors: Xu
authors: Huiqi
authors: H
authors: Tong
authors: Min
authors: M
authors: Yang
authors: Zeping
authors: Z
authors: Xiao
authors: Min
authors: M
authors: Yang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D044466:Asian People; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists