The effect of psychodrama on depression among inpatient women with chronic mental disorder

At recent three decades, management of chronic mental disorders has been a focus of attention in mental health systems. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of group psychodrama in reducing depression in inpatient women with chronic mental disorder.

In this semi-experimental study, thirty women with chronic mental disorders bedridden at Razi comprehensive psychiatric center(Tehran, Iran) were randomly assigned to two groups, namely intervention & control groups. Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) was administered to all participants and then a 12 session group psychodrama intervention program was carried out for the intervention group. Meanwhile routine treatments were continued for the control group. BDI was then re-administered for both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using independent and Paired T tests, Kolmogroph-Smernoph, Chi-square, Leven and Covariance analysis(ANCOVA) tests.  

After the intervention, the BDI mean score significantly reduced in the intervention group(p=0.000) but not in the control one. The two groups showed no difference regarding the mean BDI scores before the intervention but afterward the control group had a significantly higher score in this respect(p=0.000). The significant differences remained true after applying ANCOVA to control the effects of age and rate of depression(p=0.000)

Psychodrama may be an effective intervention for reducing depression in patients with chronic mental disorders.