Spiritually Integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Treatment of Depression in a Male Patient with Cardiac Illness and Diabetes

Abstract

This case study aimed to ascertainthe effectiveness of spiritually integrated cognitive behavior therapy (SICBT) in the treatment of depression in a male patient with cardiac illness and diabetes. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in the level of depression reported by a male patient with cardiac illness and diabetes before and after being treated with spiritually integrated cognitive behavior therapy (SICBT). This case study was carried out at a private hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The patient in this case study was a 49 yearold man. A semi-structured interview and Depression in Chronic llnesses Scale (DCIS; Yaseen, 2014) were used as pre and post measures. Techniques from spiritually integrated cognitive behavior therapy (SICBT) (Good, 2010) were adapted to alter negative thoughts and modify behavior. Post treatment assessment indicated an improvement in the patient’s overall functioning and showed remarkable reduction in symptoms of depression. Patient reported gaining insight and having control over negative thinking. Based on the post treatment assessment, it can be concludedthat SICBT can be an effective approach to treat depression in patients with cardiac illness and diabetes. It is critical to note that the factor of subjective inclination towards spirituality needs to be considered while drawing any conclusion.