Biomarkers of Response to Internet-Based Psychological Interventions: Systematic Review (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The literature investigating changes in biomarkers after internet-based psychological and mental health interventions is not yet extensively inquired. OBJECTIVE This rapid systematic review aims to provide a synthesis of literature examining the effects of internet-based psychological interventions on biomarkers. METHODS This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was performed through three databases (PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus). Studies examining changes in biomarkers before and after internet-based psychological interventions were included with no exclusion criteria concerning mental and/or physical condition. RESULTS Twenty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies involved individuals with psychiatric/psychological problems (k=6, 25%), organic/medical diseases (k=10, 41.67%), and nonclinical populations (k=8, 33.33%). Concerning psychiatric/psychological problems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and CBT-like interventions showed partial effectiveness in decreasing Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) blood sugar level (k=1) and chemochines (k=1) and in increasing connectivity between the default-mode network and the premotor/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (k=1). In the organic/medical samples, studies reported a significant change in cardiac/cardiovascular (k=3), inflammatory (k=2), cortisol (k=2), HbA1c (k=2), immune response (k=1) biomarkers, after CBT and CBT-like interventions, mindfulness and stress management interventions. Lastly, mindfulness, CBT and CBT-like interventions, and music therapy succeeded in modifying immune response (k=2), cortisol (k=1), alpha amylase (k=1), posterior cingulate cortex reactivity to smoking cues (k=1) and carbon monoxide (k=1) levels in nonclinical samples. CONCLUSIONS Although further evidence is required, we hope to raise awareness on the potential impact of internet-based interventions on biomarkers related to mental and physical health.