The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses
Cognitive Therapy and Research, 08/03/2012
Evidence Based Medicine
Hofmann SG et al. – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) showed higher response rates than the comparison conditions in seven of these reviews and only one review reported that CBT had lower response rates than comparison treatments. In general, the evidence–base of CBT is very strong.
Methods- The authors identified 269 meta–analytic studies and reviewed of those a representative sample of 106 meta–analyses examining CBT for the following problems: substance use disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, depression and dysthymia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, eating disorders, insomnia, personality disorders, anger and aggression, criminal behaviors, general stress, distress due to general medical conditions, chronic pain and fatigue, distress related to pregnancy complications and female hormonal conditions.
- Additional meta–analytic reviews examined the efficacy of CBT for various problems in children and elderly adults.
- The strongest support exists for CBT of anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, bulimia, anger control problems, and general stress.
- Eleven studies compared response rates between CBT and other treatments or control conditions.
- CBT showed higher response rates than the comparison conditions in seven of these reviews and only one review reported that CBT had lower response rates than comparison treatments.
- In general, the evidence–base of CBT is very strong.
