Efficacy of self-help interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy on depression: a systematic review

Abstract

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been proved to be an effective psychological treatment method for depression, especially for mild-to-moderate depression, however, due to the influence of various factors, its application in patients with depression is limited.Studies abroad have confirmed self-help intervention based on CBT has good effects on patients with depression.By reviewing efficacy of self-help interventions based on CBT on depression, it can be known that most of the literatures support that self-help interventions based on CBT has good effects on depression.Related researches abroad have been more mature, but few similar studies have been conducted in our country.So self-help CBT for depression has broad prospects in our country, which can play an important role in the prevention and therapy of depression, alleviating the shortage of medical resources, and reducing the patients' medical expenses, etc.Based on bibliotherapy(a major form of self-help interventions based on CBT), future studies need to learn from foreign practice to expand the audience to the clinic, community and non-clinical patients, in order to provide advice for interventions for depression in China. Key words: Self-help intervention; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Bibliotherapy; Depression