Mentalizing and Epistemic Trust in Patients With Anxiety and Depression.

Conditions studied

Anxiety Disorders, Depression

About this study

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of mentalization-based group psychotherapy in patients diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression disorders. In total 100 users of mental health communitary services will be recruited for this study. Participants will be randomized in two parallel groups: to receive usual acceptance and commitment therapy group intervention (control group) or to receive brief mentalization-based group psychotherapy (intervention group). Participants in the trial will be assessed at baseline and at 3 months.

Interventions

• Behavioral: Brief mentalization-based group psychotherapy — The intervention is an adaptation for anxiety and depression profiles of the introductory group program to Mentalization-Based Treatment for personality disorders. Sessions program: * Session 1: Building epistemic trust. * Session 2: Introduction to mentalization. * Session 3: Mentalization problems. * Session 4: Emotions. * Session 5: Mentalizing emotions. * Session 6: Attachment relationships. * Session 7: Attachment and mentalization. * Session 8: Interpersonal relationships. Mentalizing relationships in the group. * Session 9: Anxiety, attachment and mentalization. * Session 10: Depression, attachment and mentalization. * Session 11: Flexible content depending on pending topics or participants' needs. Preparing for closing * Session 12: Final balance and closing.
• Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group intervention — The intervention includes 12 sessions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Sessions program: * Session 1: Presentation. * Session 2: Cognitive defusion * Session 3: Uncontrollability of thought, emotions and behavior. * Session 4: Creative Hopelessness. * Session 5: Mindfulness and acceptance. * Session 6: Values. * Session 7: Values and action. * Session 8: Vital goals. * Session 9: Goal achievement plan. * Session 10: Implementation. * Session 11: Flexible content depending on pending topics or participants' needs. Preparing for closing * Session 12: Final balance and closing.

Primary outcomes

• Change from baseline anxiety symptoms at 3 months. (At baseline then at 3 months.)
• Change from baseline depressive symptoms at 3 months. (At baseline then at 3 months.)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga - IBIMA, Málaga, Malaga 29009 Spain