A randomized controlled trial of the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy-based self-help psychotherapy books on anxiety and depressive symptoms: A bibliotherapy study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of self-help psychotherapy books based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches on anxiety and depressive symptoms, with those of a placebo psychology book and a control group receiving only antidepressant treatment. Method: The current study was conducted with 110 patients admitted to the psychiatric outpatient clinic, diagnosed with depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The study utilized a book each from CBT, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and a placebo book. Participants’ depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and their anxiety symptoms with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, both before and after the intervention. Results: The median age of participants was 34.71±10.40, and 80% were female. The difference in BDI decrease between books was found to be statistically significant as a result of a mixed design Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Although the difference in depression scores between the books was not statistically significant according to time in post hoc analyses, when all groups with the books were considered, the difference in depression scores was statistically significant compared to the decrease seen in the group that received only antidepressant treatment, according to the planned contrast analysis. When the analysis was repeated, excluding the group receiving antidepressant treatment, similar results were found in the placebo book group. Conclusion: When compared to the placebo book group and the usual treatment group, self-help books written within the framework of CBT approaches are significantly effective in reducing depressive scores in patients diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder. Further research is needed to observe the long-term effects of these books.