Systematic review and meta-analysis of group cognitive behavioural psychotherapy for sub-clinical depression

Background A majority of patients with depressive features do not reach the minimum diagnostic criteria for major depression, and are subsequently assessed as having sub-syndromal or sub-threshold depression. Psychotherapy studies aimed at preventing the onset of major depression in those with sub-threshold depression have provided mixed results. Aims The review considers group psychotherapy in sub-threshold depression to investigate if group psychological interventions reduce depressive symptoms post treatment, and whether these interventions result in a reduced incidence of new cases of major depressive disorder. Methods A focussed short literature review. Results No systematic reviews have been undertaken post 2006. Findings suggest that group CBT for patients with sub-threshold depression has a significant effect on depressive symptomatology at post treatment in both working age and older adult population. Group CBT does not appear to reduce the incidence of major depressive disorders. Group CBT has minimal or no effect on depressive symptomatology during follow-up. Conclusion The results allow a series of clinical recommendations that focus on current resources for interventions.Key Points • Group CBT for patients with sub-threshold depression has a significant effect on depressive symptomatology at post treatment in both working age and older adult population. • Group CBT does not appear to reduce the incidence of major depressive disorders. • Group CBT has minimal or no effect on depressive symptomatology during follow-up. The article considers group psychotherapy in sub-threshold depression to investigate if group psychological interventions reduce depressive symptoms post treatment, and whether these interventions result in a reduced incidence of new cases of major depressive disorder