Effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders on quality of life: A meta-analysis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Although cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for treating anxiety disorders, little is known about its effect on quality of life. To conduct a meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders on quality of life, we searched for relevant studies in PubMed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library, and conducted manual searches. METHOD The search identified 44 studies that included 59 CBT trials, totaling 3,326 participants receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. We estimated the controlled and within-group random effects of the treatment changes on quality of life. RESULTS The pre-post within-group and controlled effect sizes were moderately strong, Hedges’ g = 0.54 and Hedges’ g = 0.56, respectively. Improvements were greater for physical and psychological domains of quality of life than for environmental and social domains. The overall effect sizes decreased with publication year and increased with treatment duration. Face-to-face treatments delivered individually and in groups produced significantly higher effect sizes than internet-delivered treatments. CONCLUSION Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders is moderately effective for improving quality of life, especially in physical and psychological domains. Internet-delivered treatments are less effective in improving quality of life than face-to-face treatments.

Evolution of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Quality of Life throughout a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Workplace Trauma Victims

“…The participants received a manual describing symptoms and therapy, and complete homework. The treatment was composed of three phases: (a) a psychoeducative intervention regarding PTSD symptoms and the teaching of anxiety management strategies (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing) (sessions 1 to 3); (b) exposure to memories of the traumatic event and cognitive restructuring if needed (sessions 4 to 9); and (c) in vivo exposure to trauma-related stimuli and to avoided situations, with cognitive restructuring if necessary (sessions [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] and relapse prevention (session 20). The participants were interviewed five times throughout the course of therapy, delimitating each CBT step: before therapy (T0), after the first three sessions (T1), at the ninth session (T2), at the end of therapy(T3), and 6 months after therapy (T4).…”

“…In the last two decades, several PTSD studies have included a measure as well of QoL as a treatment outcome [11][12][13][14][15]. A recent meta-analysis stated that CBT has a moderately strong effect on QoL for those with anxiety disorders [15]. However, general conclusions on the effect of treatment on QoL are limited, given the methodological flaws and heterogeneity in QoL assessment.…”

“…The efficacy of CBT for PTSD has frequently been demonstrated by the significant reduction of PTSD symptom severity. In the last two decades, several PTSD studies have included a measure as well of QoL as a treatment outcome [11][12][13][14][15]. A recent meta-analysis stated that CBT has a moderately strong effect on QoL for those with anxiety disorders [15].…”

Statistical and Epistemological Issues in the Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy of Pharmaceutical, Psychological, and Combination Treatments for Women's Sexual Desire Difficulties

“…Alternatively, most psychotherapeutic treatments (including both cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness treatments) are typically associated with positive long-term side effects, including improved physical health (e.g., Murphy, Mermelstein, Edwards, & Gidycz, 2012) and ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 5 overall quality of life (e.g., Hofmann, Wu, & Boettcher, 2014). As such, when considering the importance of effect sizes, researchers and practitioners should balance the helpful effects of medications with the cost of their side effects, whereas this process is generally not necessary for psychotherapies, where secondary effects are more likely to be beneficial e.g., cognitive therapies targeting sexual dysfunction also lessening the frequently co-morbid mood disorder.…”

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia: an overview on efficacy, recent trends and neurobiological findings

“…1,9 Patients with psychiatric disorders commonly display cognitive distortions as they perceive and process information in a way that does not match reality. [10][11][12][13][14] The main goal of CBT is to change dysfunctional thoughts into more adapted and realistic alternative thoughts, allowing improvements in the emotional and behavioral state of the patient.…”