Preliminary adaptation process of cognitive behavior therapy for major depression in Bangladesh: A pilot study

Abstract Being developed and modified in the Western world, the cultural values and communities influence cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strongly. In this study, CBT was adapted in Bengali to see the functional feasibility of CBT for persons with depression in Bangladesh. This is the first pilot study for an adapted CBT manual for on psychological intervention for working with depressive clients in Bangladesh. There were three phases of the study; in the first two phase’s adaptation of the standard protocols of CBT for the Bangladeshi community, as practiced by mainstream practitioners and mental health professionals in the world were ensured. Information gathered during first phase on the standard protocols of CBT was written up as the first draft of the adapted CBT manual in Bengali. In the second phase, the CBT manual was given to seven senior clinical psychologists in Bangladesh who train CBT to fellow mental health professionals for evaluation. After synthesizing the judge’s comments and suggestions the draft of the Bengali CBT manual was finalized. In the third phase, to evaluate the functional feasibility of the Bengali CBT-based manual, five diagnosed patients with depression referred by the psychiatrists were tested. Four valid and reliable psychometric measurements were used to measure symptoms of depression and comorbid symptoms of anxiety, psychological distress, and suicidal risk. Assessments were completed at 2 time points (pre-test and post-test) using the scales. The intervention was delivered over 6–10 sessions and improvements were found on the scores of all questionnaires. The possibilities of Bengali CBT to reduce depression and appearing to be a promising treatment option for depression are discussed in the paper.