Evaluating the Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety, Depression and Stigma Reduction in Patients with Substance Use Disorder: A Pre-Post Analysis Study
Author(s):
Hassan Mohammed Sonbol1, Amal Al Ghailani2* and Mostafa Abdel-Monem Amr3
This longitudinal study assessed the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in addressing anxiety, depression, and stigma in patients with substance use disorder. Following a 45-day rehabilitation program and one-and-a-half-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed. Posttherapy, the median depression score decreased significantly (p < 0.001), with a remarkable reduction in very severe depression from 83.7% to 4.1%. Anxiety symptoms also showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001), with a decrease in moderate and severe anxiety from 46.9% and 20.4% to 8.2% respectively. Perceived stigma associated with substance use disorder was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) following therapy. These findings support the efficacy of CBT in reducing depression, anxiety, and perceived stigma, emphasizing its potential benefits in comprehensive treatment plans. Further research is needed to validate these results and investigate long-term effects.
