Assessing the effectiveness of the “human givens” approach in treating depression: a quasi experimental study in primary care
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the findings of research commissioned by a Primary Care Trust in the UK to assess the implementation of a new pilot Human Givens mental health service (HGS) within primary care.
Design/methodology/approach
Participating General Practitioners practices were designated as either “Human givens” or “Control” practices. The study focused on service users with mild to moderate depressed mood measured using HADS. The well-being of these participants was examined at the point of referral, and after four, eight and 12 months using three well-being questionnaires.
Findings
The results revealed that emotional well-being significantly improved during the first four months following referral for both groups and this improvement was maintained up to and including one year post referral. Compared to the Control group Human givens therapy was found to be of shorter duration, lasting one or two sessions compared to standard treatment which lasted on average four sessions.
Originality/value
Apart from the psychological insight and emotional support, it is suggested that Human givens therapy might help the client to better function in society and maintain a sense of social integration. This has benefits to other providers of social care.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was commissioned by Sandwell Primary Care Trusts to assess the implementation of a pilot mental health service (Human Givens service) within primary care. Conflict of interest: none.
Citation
Tsaroucha, A., Kingston, P., Stewart, T., Walton, I. and Corp, N. (2012), "Assessing the effectiveness of the “human givens” approach in treating depression: a quasi experimental study in primary care", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 90-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/13619321211270416
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited