The study involved 103 children aged 6-12 years, diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders, with more than 70% having psychiatric comorbidities. These children were either assigned directly to Group CBT (GCBT) or to Treatment As Usual (TAU), which included individually tailored psychiatric outpatient services.
Key findings from the study include:
- Reduction in Symptoms: Both GCBT and TAU were effective in reducing internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Parent-rated internalizing symptoms and parent-rated externalizing symptoms showed significant reduction immediately after GCBT. Long-term gains were particularly notable for parent-rated externalizing symptoms.
- Teacher Ratings: Teacher-rated internalizing symptoms also decreased, although the effect was less pronounced compared to parent ratings. No significant changes were observed in teacher-rated externalizing symptoms.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Manualized GCBT was found to be as effective as TAU, providing a cost-effective alternative that requires relatively short training and can be implemented at primary healthcare levels.
These findings are crucial for practitioners aiming to improve their therapeutic approaches. Implementing GCBT can be a practical solution to address the increasing mental health needs of children, especially given the global shortage of mental health professionals and financial resources.
Practitioners should consider the following strategies to enhance their skills and outcomes:
- Training in Manualized GCBT: Investing in training for manualized GCBT can equip practitioners with the necessary skills to deliver effective therapy in group settings.
- Incorporating Teacher Feedback: While parent ratings are valuable, incorporating teacher feedback can provide a more comprehensive view of the child's progress.
- Focus on Long-Term Gains: Ensuring follow-up sessions and booster sessions can help maintain the gains achieved through GCBT, particularly for externalizing symptoms.
Encouraging further research in this area is also essential. Understanding the nuances of how GCBT can be tailored to different populations and settings will contribute to more effective and accessible mental health care for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effectiveness of Group CBT on Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Children with Mixed Psychiatric Disorders.
