To compare the effectiveness of a manualised group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programme for people with bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

In addition to treatment as usual (TAU), 17 people with BPD and 17 matched controls with MDD completed 8 or 12 sessions of twice weekly group CBT, followed by 6 booster sessions, held at monthly intervals. Participants completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis 1 Disorders, Clinician Version (SCID-1) and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) prior to therapy. They completed the Beck Depression Inventory - II (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE), the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQoL - BREF) and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS) before and after therapy and at the final follow-up session. The BDI and BAI were also completed at each group session.

Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant improvement on the BDI and BAI after treatment and at follow-up. Both groups showed a significant improvement on the psychological health sub-scale on the WHOQoL-BREF.

Manualised group CBT leads to a reduction in the symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with both BPD and MDD and helps improve their perceived quality of life.

None.