Effectiveness of REBT psychotherapy approach on reducing cognitive distortions in tubercular patients

Effectiveness of REBT psychotherapy approach on reducing cognitive distortions in tubercular patients Background: Tubercular patients suffer some psychological problems. Meanwhile, tubercular patients with cognitive distortions, process information incorrectly, which result in depression and anxiety. Thus, focusing on cognitive distortions in psychotherapy process is one of the most serious issues in comprehensive treatment of these patients. Rational emotional behavioral therapy (REBT) is one of the most important psychotherapy approaches which is applicable in the mentioned domain. In the current study, it was tried to recognize cognitive distortions of tubercular patients and presenting rational emotional behavioral therapy alongside with medical treatment for them. Methods: This was an interventioal self-controlled study. The sample groups were selected randomly. 45 patients were allocated in experimental and control groups. Both groups completed demographic information and cognitive distortions questionnaires as pre-test. REBT was done on experimental groups in 10 sessions. The cognitive distortions questionnaire was completed by experimental and control groups again after the intervention. Results: There were significant reduction in all or nothing thinking, mental filter, labeling, overgeneralization, minimizing the positive, fortune telling, personalization and should statements sub scales in the post test phase in experimental group. Conclusion: Eight out of ten sub- scales of the cognitive distortion scale were reduced significantly after executing the REBT. This means that simultaneous attention to the psychological and physical problems of the patients helps in holistic and incomprehensive treatment of the patients.