The effectiveness of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals with comorbid GAD and depression: Impact on mentalized affectivity and interpersonal problems

Abstract

Background: Individuals with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression often experience impaired mentalized affectivity and interpersonal problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on mentalized affectivity and interpersonal problems in comorbid GAD and depressive patients. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a single-case method to examine the effectiveness of integrated CBT on mentalized affectivity and interpersonal problems in comorbid GAD and depressive patients of Isfahan, Iran in 2020. Four participants with GAD comorbid with depression were selected through convenient sampling and received individual integrated CBT intervention for 10 weeks. The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32 (IIP-32) and Mental Affect Scale (MAS) were administered at baseline; third, fifth, eighth, and tenth sessions and at 1 month follow-up to assess treatment outcomes. Results: The visual design, improvement rate, and reliable change index (RCI) demonstrated that integrated CBT produced clinically and statistically significant changes and improvements in treatment goals (i.e., mentalized affectivity and interpersonal problems). Furthermore, the therapeutic effects were sustained during the follow-up phase. Conclusion: The results suggest that integrated CBT is a promising treatment for moderating mentalized affect and interpersonal problems in individuals with comorbid GAD and depression.