Effect of group behavioral activation on depression, anxiety and stress in adjustment: three-case study

Abstract

Adjustment disorders are disorders that a person cannot match with a traumatic event. People with depression, anxiety disorder and depression are susceptible to abusive behaviors, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of group behavioral activation on depression, anxiety and stress in adjustment disorders by using a single case design. Three chronic patients who met DSM-5 criteria for adjustment disorders were treated according to the treatment manual of group behavioral activation therapy. The treatment outcome was measured before, during and after the treatment using depression anxiety stress scales. The results revealed this treatment in reducing the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was effective. The baseline scores of depression, anxiety, and stress in the first patient were 24.73, 17.54, and 28.70, respectively; the improvement rate in each of the subscales was 62%, 71% and 63%, and the overall improvement in the three subscales was 65%. For the second patient, the baseline scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were 27.73, 17.37, and 29.01, respectively; the improvement rate in each of the subscales was 54%, 68% and 59%, and the overall improvement in the three subscales was 60%. The improvement rate of the third patient was higher than that of the first and the second patients. The improvement rate in depression, anxiety, and stress was 61%, 60% and 67%, and the overall improvement in the three subscales was 63%. The overall improvement of the research variables was 62%. The results of these three patients indicated that the clinical effect of group behavioral activation therapy in treating the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in patients with adjustment disorder and marital problems.