The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depressive Symptoms in North Korean Refugees
- Author:
Sehyun JEON
1
;
Jiyoun LEE
;
Jin Yong JUN
;
Young Su PARK
;
Jaehee CHO
;
Jaeryung CHOI
;
Younsuk JEON
;
Seog Ju KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2020;17(7):681-687
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Objective:Despite the growing need for psychological programs for North Korean refugees, most psychological interventions for these people lack a verification study that tests their effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in North Korean refugees.
Methods:Participants included 38 North Korean refugees, of whom 23 participated in simple relaxation and 15 participated in CBT. The Korean version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised were used to evaluate symptoms pre- and post-intervention.
Results:Participants had a significant decrease in CES-D scores after treatment (p=0.037). The decrease in CES-D was larger in those who participated in the CBT compared to those in simple relaxation (p=0.023). The superior effects that CBT had on depressive symptoms over simple relaxation were particularly more prominent in those with severe depression (p=0.035). Participants with high levels of anxiety also showed significant decreases in STAI-S scores after treatment, regardless of which type of program they participated in (p=0.023).
Conclusion:This preliminary findings suggests that CBT is an effective psychiatric approach in treating depressive symptoms in North Korean refugees, especially for those with a higher degree of depressive symptom.
