Examining the Effectiveness of a Group-Based Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression among Veterans

To date, the utility of behavioral activation (BA) as a treatment for depression has been primarily demonstrated in an individual therapy format, with few empirical investigations exploring group-based delivery. In addition, little is known about the utility of such interventions within veterans, a population known to have increased rates of depression. To this end, the purpose of the proposed study was to examine the potential therapeutic benefits of BA delivered in a group-based format to an outpatient sample of veterans with a primary depressive diagnosis. The sample consisted of 32 veterans presenting for psychological services within a general mental health clinic at a large, Southeastern Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Depression and quality of life symptoms were measured pre- and post- delivery of the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression-Revised (BATD-R; Lejuez et al. Behavior Modification, 35(2), 111–161, 2011), a 10-session manualized protocol designed to address depressive symptoms by increasing patient contact with reinforcing environmental contingencies. Consistent with prediction, engagement in BATD-R led to reductions in depression symptoms and increases in overall life satisfaction from pre- to post-treatment. The present study provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of BATD-R delivered in a group-based format among an outpatient sample of veterans.