Structured Group Therapy in Reducing Depression and Anxiety in Pakistan
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Structured group therapy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Depression in Adults, Anxiety. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Pakistan
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effectiveness of Structured Group Therapy in Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Pakistan: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Overview
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in group settings to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance emotional resilience, and improve social support among Pakistani individuals struggling with these conditions.
Detailed description
Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, are prevalent in Pakistan and significantly affect the emotional, social, and occupational well-being of individuals. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability globally, and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in Pakistan, affecting millions.
In the Pakistani context, stigma surrounding mental illness, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services create substantial barriers to care. Group therapy, which provides a collective support system and skill-building strategies, can be an effective modality in addressing these challenges. Structured group therapy offers participants a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a platform for learning coping strategies within a culturally sensitive framework.
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in group settings to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance emotional resilience, and improve social support among Pakistani individuals struggling with these conditions.
Interventions
- Other Structured group therapy
Participants will receive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy techniques in group settings. The intervention will cover contents like: (1) Introduction to Depression and Anxiety: Understanding symptoms and causes; (2) Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative thoughts; (3) Stress Management: Techniques for managing physiological and psychological stress; (4) Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, breathing exercises, and body
Primary outcome measures
- Depression and anxiety [Time frame: 12 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Social support [Time frame: 12 weeks]
- Functionality of participants [Time frame: 12 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Adults (18-65 years)
- Diagnosed with moderate to severe depression
- Residing in urban or rural areas of Pakistan
- Willingness to attend 12 weekly group therapy sessions and comply with the study protocol
Exclusion criteria
- Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder)
- Ongoing substance abuse or severe substance use disorder
- Participation in other therapeutic interventions (e.g., individual therapy or group therapy) during the study period
- Cognitive impairments that would interfere with participation
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Pakistan · 1 center
- Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists — Lahore
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07239388 · RCT_D_A_GT_2025