Recent randomized controlled trials of psychological interventions in healthcare: A review of their quantity, scope, and characteristics

Abstract

Abstract&Objective: This study aimed to describe the quantity, scope, and fundamental characteristics of recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions. Methods:We queried two major databases (PsycINFO and PubMeD) for primary reports published in 2010 of RCTs of psychological interventions for participants with a medical condition. We collected data on the characteristics of the trials, participants, interventions, outcomes, and reports.Results: Of 3,696 retrieved reports 295 primary publications were included. About half (53%) of trials included participants with a mental disorder and more than half evaluated interventions based on a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) framework. A majority of trials recruited participants in North America and Europe (79%). A minority of the trials focused on children and adolescents (17%) or the elderly (8%). The median sample size of the intervention arm was n = 41. Thirty-nine percent of trials reported solely patient-reported outcomes. Only 5% of reports indicated funding from for-profit organizations. The median 2010 impact factor of the journals in which reports were published was 2.96. Conclusion:This snapshot of the research on psychological interventions suggests that the evidence base for psychological interventions is expanding mainly for CBT interventions for adults in high-income countries. Although the restrictive inclusion criteria limit the generalizability of these results, researchers and funding agencies might be advised to strive for greater diversity regarding interventions, geographical/cultural settings and age groups.Regularly updated reviews of this research field, with gradually refined methodology and increased scope, may further inform funders and researchers.

Internet-Delivered Psychological Treatments for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Their Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness

“…Including them would not alter our conclusions. This turnout seems to reflect the slow progress in general among psychological interventions for children and adolescents [90]. Although the low number of studies precludes quantitative meta-analysis, an equally important objective of a systematic review is to identify gaps in the literature.…”

The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on psychological treatments research in tomorrow's science

“…Formalized measures of possible harms (side effects) of treatment trials should be the rule rather the exception in psychotherapy research (see 206,207 ).…”

Reporting of harms in randomized controlled trials of psychological interventions for mental and behavioral disorders: A review of current practice

“…The present review is part of a project aiming to investigate the quantity, scope and characteristics of recent RCTs of psychological interventions for patients with various medical conditions [1]. The project was initiated by the Swedish…”

“…An impressive number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions are published each year: In a review of the quantity, scope and characteristics of recent RCTs of psychological interventions for patients with various medical conditions, we found no less than 295 primary reports published during the single year of 2010 [1]. The reports spanned a wide range of interventions, outcomes and conditions.…”

“…The reports spanned a wide range of interventions, outcomes and conditions. Unfortunately, the usefulness of many trials within this research field is limited by an unsatisfactory quality of reporting [1,2].…”