All in for mental health: a pilot study of group therapy for people experiencing anxiety and/or depression and a significant other of their choice.

Background A need to provide treatment for people with anxiety and/or depression, and to provide preventive strategies for individuals who love them has been identified. In response, an innovative group therapy programme for people with anxiety and/or depression and a significant other of their choice was developed and implemented.Methods Mixed methods were employed. Five 'significant other' groups were held between May 2005 and June 2006. All group participants were requested to complete the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQol) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), pre- and post-therapy, and three months after their last therapy session. In addition, participants who attended groups between July and September 2005 were invited to provide feedback about the group therapy in an individual semi-structured interview.Results Pilot results indicate positive responses from clients, related to facilitation of knowledge and understanding and skills development. For people referred to the group significant improvements were found in the DASS scores, resilience, psychological health and living environment.Limitations Due to the small sample size, and lack of follow-up data and control group, the findings need to be considered with caution and indicate the necessity to collect further data to provide conclusive findings.Conclusions Overall, the outcome of the 'significant other' pilot programme was useful, in that it facilitated a number of positive outcomes for participants. Areas for further research have been identified including strategies to improve social relationships, the de-identification with the sick/supporter role, and testing this model with diverse populations and clinical groups.