Tailoring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Mexican Terminal Cancer Patients: A Multiple Baseline Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of tailored cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depression and anxiety symptoms present in Mexican terminal cancer patients. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design was used across individuals. Nine patients participated in the study, each receiving four to six therapy sessions. The effect size of the intervention range (NAP and Tau indexes) in the nine patients indicates that CBT intervention resulted in weak to moderate impact for anxiety and depression symptoms in this population. The overall standardized mean difference is also moderate, with a reduction of 0.54 and 0.76 standard deviations in depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. This study provides initial evidence to support a positive effect from CBT on patients with terminal cancer and with mood disorders when facing their impending death.