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Nature Human Behaviour May 2021Our current understanding of the efficacy of psychological interventions in improving mental states of wellbeing is incomplete. This study aimed to overcome limitations... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Our current understanding of the efficacy of psychological interventions in improving mental states of wellbeing is incomplete. This study aimed to overcome limitations of previous reviews by examining the efficacy of distinct types of psychological interventions, irrespective of their theoretical underpinning, and the impact of various moderators, in a unified systematic review and meta-analysis. Four-hundred-and-nineteen randomized controlled trials from clinical and non-clinical populations (n = 53,288) were identified for inclusion. Mindfulness-based and multi-component positive psychological interventions demonstrated the greatest efficacy in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Meta-analyses also found that singular positive psychological interventions, cognitive and behavioural therapy-based, acceptance and commitment therapy-based, and reminiscence interventions were impactful. Effect sizes were moderate at best, but differed according to target population and moderator, most notably intervention intensity. The evidence quality was generally low to moderate. While the evidence requires further advancement, the review provides insight into how psychological interventions can be designed to improve mental wellbeing.
Topics: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Behavior Therapy; Humans; Mental Health; Psychosocial Intervention; Psychotherapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33875837
DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01093-w -
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the... Sep 2022A recently updated Cochrane review supports the efficacy of psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A recently updated Cochrane review supports the efficacy of psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD).
AIMS
To evaluate the effects of standalone and add-on psychotherapeutic treatments more concisely.
METHOD
We applied the same methods as the 2020 Cochrane review, but focused on adult samples and comparisons of active treatments and unspecific control conditions. Standalone treatments (i.e. necessarily including individual psychotherapy as either the sole or one of several treatment components) and add-on interventions (i.e. complementing any ongoing individual BPD treatment) were analysed separately. Primary outcomes were BPD severity, self-harm, suicide-related outcomes and psychosocial functioning. Secondary outcomes were remaining BPD diagnostic criteria, depression and attrition.
RESULTS
Thirty-one randomised controlled trials totalling 1870 participants were identified. Among standalone treatments, statistically significant effects of low overall certainty were observed for dialectical behaviour therapy (self-harm: standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.54, = 0.006; psychosocial functioning: SMD -0.51, = 0.01) and mentalisation-based treatment (self-harm: risk ratio 0.51, < 0.0007; suicide-related outcomes: risk ratio 0.10, < 0.0001). For adjunctive interventions, moderate-quality evidence of beneficial effects was observed for DBT skills training (BPD severity: SMD -0.66, = 0.002; psychosocial functioning: SMD -0.45, = 0.002), and statistically significant low-certainty evidence was observed for the emotion regulation group (BPD severity: mean difference -8.49, < 0.00001), manual-assisted cognitive therapy (self-harm: mean difference -3.03, = 0.03; suicide-related outcomes: SMD -0.96, = 0.005) and the systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving (BPD severity: SMD -0.48, = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
There is reasonable evidence to conclude that psychotherapeutic interventions are helpful for individuals with BPD. Replication studies are needed to enhance the certainty of findings.
Topics: Adult; Borderline Personality Disorder; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Humans; Psychotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self-Injurious Behavior
PubMed: 35088687
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2021.204 -
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry Apr 2023To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of family therapy compared to other active treatments for adolescents with depressive disorders or suicidal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of family therapy compared to other active treatments for adolescents with depressive disorders or suicidal ideation.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic search of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL and Web of Science and performed two meta-analyses of outcomes for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
RESULTS
We screened 5,940 records and identified 10 randomized controlled studies of family therapy for depressive disorder or suicidal ideation in adolescents with an active treatment comparison group. Nine studies reported outcome measures of depressive symptoms and four reported outcome measures of suicidal ideation. The meta-analysis showed no significant difference between family therapy and active comparison treatments for end-of-treatment levels of depression. For suicidal ideation our meta-analysis showed a significant effect in favour of family therapy over comparison treatments for suicidal ideation.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the current body of research, we found that family therapy is not superior to other psychotherapies in the treatment of depressive disorder. However, family therapy leads to significantly improved outcomes for suicidal ideation, compared to other psychotherapies. The evidence for the treatment of depression is of low quality needs more research.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Suicidal Ideation; Family Therapy; Depression; Psychotherapy; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 36053279
DOI: 10.1177/13591045221125005 -
Psychiatry Research Jun 2021Various psychiatric disorders are treated with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), although the efficacy of MBIs in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Various psychiatric disorders are treated with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), although the efficacy of MBIs in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) is unclear. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the efficacy of MBIs on SAD symptoms. Systematic searches were performed in various databases, and 11 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 single-arm trials were identified. The between-groups analysis of the 11 RCTs showed that Hedges' g = 0.00, while the within-group analysis showed a large pre-post effect size (g = 1.20).MBIs were superior to the no-treatment comparator (g = 0.89), equivalent to specific active treatment (g = -0.19), and less effective than evidence-based treatment (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapies) (g = -0.29).MBIs significantly alleviated depressive symptoms and improved mindfulness, quality of life, and self-compassion. Meta-regression analysis showed a dose-response relationship between the alleviation of SAD symptoms and the duration of the MBIs (β = 0.659). Follow-up analysis showed that the effects of MBIs on SAD persisted for 12 months (g = 0.231). An analysis of the 5 single-arm trials found that MBIs had a medium effect in alleviating SAD symptoms (g = 0.48). Future research is needed regarding the design of large RCTs of MBIs on SAD patients.
Topics: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Humans; Mindfulness; Phobia, Social
PubMed: 33895444
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113935 -
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue... Nov 2014Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate, self-inflicted damage of bodily tissue without the intent to die, is associated with various negative outcomes. Although... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate, self-inflicted damage of bodily tissue without the intent to die, is associated with various negative outcomes. Although basic and epidemiologic research on NSSI has increased during the last 2 decades, literature on effective interventions targeting NSSI is still emerging. Here, we present a comprehensive, systematic review of existing psychological and pharmacological treatments designed specifically for NSSI, or including outcome assessments examining change in NSSI.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and ERIC databases to retrieve relevant articles that met inclusion criteria; specifically, uncontrolled and controlled trials that 1) presented quantitative outcome data on NSSI, and 2) clearly differentiated NSSI from suicidal self-injury (SSI). Consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, definition of NSSI, we excluded studies examining populations with developmental or intellectual disabilities, or with psychotic disorders.
RESULTS
Several interventions appear to hold promise for reducing NSSI, including dialectical behaviour therapy, emotion regulation group therapy, manual-assisted cognitive therapy, dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy, atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole), naltrexone, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (with or without cognitive-behavioural therapy). Nevertheless, there remains a paucity of well-controlled studies investigating treatment efficacy for NSSI.
CONCLUSIONS
Structured psychotherapeutic approaches focusing on collaborative therapeutic relationships, motivation for change, and directly addressing NSSI behaviours seem to be most effective in reducing NSSI. Medications targeting the serotonergic, dopaminergic and opioid systems also have demonstrated some benefits. Future studies employing controlled designs as well as a clear delineation of NSSI and SSI will improve knowledge regarding treatment effects.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Borderline Personality Disorder; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy, Group; Psychotropic Drugs; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide, Attempted; Theory of Mind; Young Adult
PubMed: 25565473
DOI: 10.1177/070674371405901103 -
JAMA Psychiatry Apr 2017Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a debilitating condition, but several psychotherapies are considered effective. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a debilitating condition, but several psychotherapies are considered effective.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to assess the efficacy of psychotherapies for BPD populations.
DATA SOURCES
Search terms were combined for borderline personality and randomized trials in PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from database inception to November 2015), as well as the reference lists of earlier meta-analyses.
STUDY SELECTION
Included were randomized clinical trials of adults with diagnosed BPD randomized to psychotherapy exclusively or to a control intervention. Study selection differentiated stand-alone designs (in which an independent psychotherapy was compared with control interventions) from add-on designs (in which an experimental intervention added to usual treatment was compared with usual treatment alone).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data extraction coded characteristics of trials, participants, and interventions and assessed risk of bias using 4 domains of the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool (independent extraction by 2 assessors). Outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Standardized mean differences (Hedges g) were calculated using all outcomes reported in the trials for borderline symptoms, self-harm, suicide, health service use, and general psychopathology at posttest and follow-up. Differential treatment retention at posttest was analyzed, reporting odds ratios.
RESULTS
Thirty-three trials (2256 participants) were included. For borderline-relevant outcomes combined (symptoms, self-harm, and suicide) at posttest, the investigated psychotherapies were moderately more effective than control interventions in stand-alone designs (g = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.14-0.51) and add-on designs (g = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15-0.65). Results were similar for other outcomes, including stand-alone designs: self-harm (g = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.09-0.54), suicide (g = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.15-0.74), health service use (g = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22-0.58), and general psychopathology (g = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.09-0.55), with no differences between design types. There were no significant differences in the odds ratios for treatment retention (1.32; 95% CI, 0.87-2.00 for stand-alone designs and 1.01; 95% CI, 0.55-1.87 for add-on designs). Thirteen trials reported borderline-relevant outcomes at follow-up (g = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.15-0.75). Dialectical behavior therapy (g = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15-0.53) and psychodynamic approaches (g = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.12-0.69) were the only types of psychotherapies more effective than control interventions. Risk of bias was a significant moderator in subgroup and meta-regression analyses (slope β = -0.16; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.03; P = .02). Publication bias was persistent, particularly for follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Psychotherapies, most notably dialectical behavior therapy and psychodynamic approaches, are effective for borderline symptoms and related problems. Nonetheless, effects are small, inflated by risk of bias and publication bias, and particularly unstable at follow-up.
Topics: Behavior Therapy; Borderline Personality Disorder; Humans; Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide; Treatment Outcome; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 28249086
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.4287 -
Clinical Psychology Review Dec 2020The alliance-outcome relationship has been consistently linked to positive treatment outcomes irrespective of psychotherapy modality. However, beyond its general links... (Review)
Review
The alliance-outcome relationship has been consistently linked to positive treatment outcomes irrespective of psychotherapy modality. However, beyond its general links to favorable treatment outcomes, it is less clear whether the alliance is a specific mediator of change and thus a possible mechanism underlying psychotherapy response. This systematic review evaluated research examining the alliance as a potential mediator of symptom change, reviewing study characteristics of 37 relevant articles examining the alliance-outcome relationship and the extent to which these studies met recommended criteria for mechanistic research. Alliance mediated therapeutic outcomes in 70.3% of the studies. We observed significant heterogeneity across studies in terms of methodology, including timing of alliance assessment, study design, constructs used in mediation models, and analytic approaches. Building on recent methodological advancements, we propose directions for future research examining the putative mediational role of alliance, such as greater uniformity in and attention to study design and statistical methodology. This review highlights the importance of alliance in therapeutic change and discusses how adhering to requirements for process research will improve our ability to more precisely estimate how and to what extent alliance drives therapeutic change.
Topics: Humans; Professional-Patient Relations; Psychotherapy; Research Design; Therapeutic Alliance; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33069096
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101921 -
Journal of Clinical Psychology Mar 2018Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), introduced by Albert Ellis in the late 1950s, is one of the main pillars of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Existing reviews on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), introduced by Albert Ellis in the late 1950s, is one of the main pillars of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Existing reviews on REBT are overdue by 10 years or more. We aimed to summarize the effectiveness and efficacy of REBT since its beginnings and investigate the alleged mechanisms of change.
METHOD
Systematic search identified 84 articles, out of which 68 provided data for between-group analyses and 39 for within-group analyses.
RESULTS
We found a medium effect size of REBT compared to other interventions on outcomes (d = 0.58) and on irrational beliefs (d = 0.70), at posttest. For the within-group analyses, we obtained medium effects for both outcomes (d = 0.56) and irrational beliefs (d = 0.61). Several significant moderators emerged.
CONCLUSION
REBT is a sound psychological intervention. Directions for future studies are outlined, stemming from the limitations of existing ones.
Topics: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Emotions; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 28898411
DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22514 -
Psychological Bulletin Feb 2017The current meta-analysis investigated the extent to which personality traits changed as a result of intervention, with the primary focus on clinical interventions. We... (Review)
Review
The current meta-analysis investigated the extent to which personality traits changed as a result of intervention, with the primary focus on clinical interventions. We identified 207 studies that had tracked changes in measures of personality traits during interventions, including true experiments and prepost change designs. Interventions were associated with marked changes in personality trait measures over an average time of 24 weeks (e.g., d = .37). Additional analyses showed that the increases replicated across experimental and nonexperimental designs, for nonclinical interventions, and persisted in longitudinal follow-ups of samples beyond the course of intervention. Emotional stability was the primary trait domain showing changes as a result of therapy, followed by extraversion. The type of therapy employed was not strongly associated with the amount of change in personality traits. Patients presenting with anxiety disorders changed the most, and patients being treated for substance use changed the least. The relevance of the results for theory and social policy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Depressive Disorder; Humans; Mental Disorders; Personality; Personality Disorders; Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic; Psychotropic Drugs
PubMed: 28054797
DOI: 10.1037/bul0000088 -
Psychological Medicine Jun 2023A broad range of psychotherapies have been proposed and evaluated in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), but the question which specific type of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Which psychotherapy is most effective and acceptable in the treatment of adults with a (sub)clinical borderline personality disorder? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
A broad range of psychotherapies have been proposed and evaluated in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), but the question which specific type of psychotherapy is most effective remains unanswered. In this study, two network meta-analyses (NMAs) were conducted investigating the comparative effectiveness of psychotherapies on (1) BPD severity and (2) suicidal behaviour (combined rate). Study drop-out was included as a secondary outcome. Six databases were searched until 21 January 2022, including RCTs on the efficacy of any psychotherapy in adults (⩾18 years) with a diagnosis of (sub)clinical BPD. Data were extracted using a predefined table format. PROSPERO ID:CRD42020175411. In our study, a total of 43 studies ( = 3273) were included. We found significant differences between several active comparisons in the treatment of (sub)clinical BPD, however, these findings were based on very few trials and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Some therapies were more efficacious compared to GT or TAU. Furthermore, some treatments more than halved the risk of attempted suicide and committed suicide (combined rate), reporting RRs around 0.5 or lower, however, these RRs were not statistically significantly better compared to other therapies or to TAU. Study drop-out significantly differed between some treatments. In conclusion, no single treatment seems to be the best choice to treat people with BPD compared to other treatments. Nevertheless, psychotherapies for BPD are perceived as first-line treatments, and should therefore be investigated further on their long-term effectiveness, preferably in head-to-head trials. DBT was the best connected treatment, providing solid evidence of its effectiveness.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Borderline Personality Disorder; Psychotherapy; Suicide, Attempted; Suicidal Ideation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37203447
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291723000685