Analysis of the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral group treatment in subjects with somatization

The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy has been questioned, despite offering positive results. This article presents the results obtained by an intervention with cognitive-behavioral group therapy, conducted at a mental health service in a public health system, with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the implementation of this intervention strategy. It has followed a quasi-experimental design with 136 users having associated physical and emotional discomfort, composing two groups of subjects: 90 participants and 46 controls. The results showed that lower doses of benzodiazepines in psychiatrical prescriptions at post-treatment and clinical improvement has induced higher discharged rates in participants. The self-reports indicate physical and emotional improvements in over 60% of the participants. The relationship between results and some variables was valued and criticisms of the effectiveness of these treatments are discussed, as compared with data obtained.