Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: a meta-analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression in cancer survivors. The PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of CBT in cancer survivors were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as an effect size indicator. Fifteen studies were included. For the depression score, the pooled results of the random effects model were as follows: pre-treatment versus post-treatment, SMD (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.88 (0.46, 1.29), P < 0.001; pre-treatment versus 3-month follow-up, 0.83 (0.09, 1.76), P = 0.08; pre-treatment versus 6-month follow-up, 0.92 (0.27, 1.58), P = 0.006; and pre-treatment versus 12-month follow-up, 0.21 (− 0.28, 0.70), P = 0.40. For the anxiety score, the pooled results of the random effects model were as follows: pre-treatment versus post-treatment, 0.97 (0.58, 1.36), P < 0.001; pre-treatment versus 3-month follow-up, 1.45 (− 0.82, 3.72), P = 0.21; and pre-treatment versus 6-month follow-up, 1.00 (0.17, 1.83), P = 0.02). The pooled result of the fixed effects model for the comparison between pre-treatment and the 12-month follow-up was 0.10 (− 0.16, 0.35; P = 0.45). The subgroup analysis revealed that the geographical location, treatment time and treatment form were not sources of significant heterogeneity. CBT significantly improved the depression and anxiety scores of the cancer survivors; such improvement was maintained until the 6-month follow-up. These findings support recommendations for the use of CBT in survivors of cancer.

Comparative efficacy of psychological interventions on anxiety and depression in patients with cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

“…[66] CBT argues that it is not the background or environment that causes a person to suffer psychological distress, but one's perception, belief, and cognition of the actual situation. Consistent with other meta-analyses, [67][68][69] CBT has a significant effect in alleviating anxiety and depression in patients with cancer. Our study provides evidence that supports the positive effect of CBT in alleviating anxiety and depression in patients with cancer.…”

Diseño de un modelo de intervención psicooncológica para el peridiagnóstico: Estudio piloto con adultos

“…White y colaboradores (2022), en el análisis de 70 estudios (20 de ellos con pacientes oncológicos) reportaron resultados inconsistentes para las intervenciones online sobre la ansiedad, la depresión y el estrés. Zhang et al (2022) en un metaanálisis sobre aplicación de terapia cognitivo conductual en pacientes oncológicos informaron mejoras estadísticamente significativas para depresión y para ansiedad. Los resultados positivos se observaron en el seguimiento a tres y seis meses.…”

App-Based Interventions for Moderate to Severe Depression

“…For decades, research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of evidence-based psychotherapy for depression . Unfortunately, a substantial portion of the population with mental disorders still lacks access to needed mental health care.…”

“…For decades, research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of evidence-based psychotherapy for depression. [5][6][7][8][9] Unfortunately, a substantial portion of the population with mental disorders still lacks access to needed mental health care. Structural barriers, such as disproportionate distribution of treatment resources and lack of financial affordability, along with attitudinal barriers, such as fear of stigmatization and lack of awareness of treatment effectiveness, contribute to the challenges of mental health care delivery.…”