Structured Group Therapy in Reducing Depression and Anxiety in Pakistan
Effectiveness of Structured Group Therapy in Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Pakistan: A Randomised Controlled Trial
1 other identifier
interventional
108
1 country
1
Brief Summary
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.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable
Started Nov 2025
Shorter than P25 for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
November 1, 2025
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
November 15, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
November 20, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
February 1, 2026
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
February 1, 2026
CompletedNovember 20, 2025
November 1, 2025
3 months
November 15, 2025
November 15, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Depression and anxiety
As measured through the participants' scores on the Hospital Anxiety \& Depression Scale (HADS)
12 weeks
Secondary Outcomes (2)
Social support
12 weeks
Functionality of participants
12 weeks
Study Arms (2)
Structured group therapy
EXPERIMENTALThis group 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 scanning; (5) Behavioural Activation: Planning and engaging in pleasurable and meaningful activities; (6) Social Support: Building and enhancing relationships; (7) Relapse Prevention: Strategies for maintaining progress after the intervention. Each group will consist of 8-10 participants to allow for optimal interaction and support. Twelve weekly group sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, will be conducted.
Treatment as usual
NO INTERVENTIONParticipants will receive standard treatment or usual care, which may include individual therapy or medication, depending on their current treatment regimen.
Interventions
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 scanning; (5) Behavioural Activation: Planning and engaging in pleasurable and meaningful activities; (6) Social Support: Building and enhancing relationships; (7) Relapse Prevention: Strategies for maintaining progress after the intervention. Each group will consist of 8-10 participants to allow for optimal interaction and support. Twelve weekly group sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, will be conducted.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- 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
You may not qualify if:
- 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
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- PARTICIPANT
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
November 15, 2025
First Posted
November 20, 2025
Study Start
November 1, 2025
Primary Completion
February 1, 2026
Study Completion
February 1, 2026
Last Updated
November 20, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-11
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share