Work

Cognitive behavioural therapy for major psychiatric disorder: does it really work? A meta-analytical review of well-controlled trials

Year: 2009

Type: article

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is claimed to be effective in schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder, there have been negative findings in well-conducted studies and meta-analyses have not fully considered the potential influence of blindness or the use of control interventions. METHOD: We pooled data from published trials of CBT in schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder that used controls for non-specific effects of intervention. Trials of effectiveness against relapse were also pooled, including those that compared CBT to treatment as usual (TAU). Blinding was examined as a moderating factor. RESULTS: CBT was not effective in reducing symptoms in schizophrenia or in preventing relapse. CBT was effective in reducing symptoms in major depression, although the effect size was small, and in reducing relapse. CBT was ineffective in reducing relapse in bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: CBT is no better than non-specific control interventions in the treatment of schizophrenia and does not reduce relapse rates. It is effective in major depression but the size of the effect is small in treatment studies. On present evidence CBT is not an effective treatment strategy for prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder.

Source: Psychological Medicine

DOI: 10.1017/s003329170900590x

Authors: D. Lynch, K. R. Laws, P. J. McKenna

Institutions: Stobhill Hospital, University of Hertfordshire, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental

Language: English

Topic: Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III