title: Effectiveness of Group Behavioural Activation for Depression: A Pilot Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The evidence base for behavioural activation (BA) is mainly grounded in the individual delivery method, with much less known about the impact of group delivery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a pilot study of behavioural activation in groups (BAG) for depression delivered in a routine service setting, in order to explore acceptability, effectiveness and predictors of outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  The manualized group treatment format was delivered in a Primary Care mental health setting, at step three of an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. BAG was facilitated by cognitive behavioural psychotherapists, and outcome measures (depression, anxiety and functional impairment) were taken at each session. Seventy-three participants were referred and treated within nine groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BAG was an acceptable treatment generating a low drop-out rate (7%). Significant pre-post differences were found across all measures. There was a moderate to large depression effect size (d + = 0.74), and 20% met the criteria for a reliable recovery in depression. Greater severity of initial depression and attendance of at least four BAG sessions predicted better outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BAG appears to be an effective depression treatment option that shows some clinical promise. Further larger and more controlled studies are nevertheless required.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Psychological Services Research,University of Sheffield,UKandSheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust,UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kellett
authors.affiliation: University of Sheffield,UK.
authors.forename: Mel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simmonds-Buckley
authors.affiliation: University of Sheffield,UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bliss
authors.affiliation: University of Sheffield,UK.
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Waller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: IAPT; behavioural activation; clinical effectiveness; depression; group therapy; pilot