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When do acute augmentations boost the efficacy of psychological therapy?
A transdiagnostic meta-analysis
Authors:
LONGLEY, B., DERCON, Q., Phillips, V., Funk, J., GORMLEY, S., KNIGHT, R., SMITH, AL.J., DALGLEISH, R.
Reference:
Nature Mental Health, 1, 389–401
Year of publication:
2023
CBU number:
8872
Abstract:
At least half of all patients with mental health disorders do not respond adequately to psychological therapy. Acutely enhancing particular biological or psychological processes during psychological therapy may improve treatment outcomes. However, previous studies are confined to specific augmentation approaches, typically assessed within single diagnostic categories. Our objective was to assess to what degree acute augmentations of psychological therapy reduce psychiatric symptoms, and estimate effect sizes of augmentation types (e.g., brain stimulation; psychedelics). We searched Medline, PsycINFO, and Embase for controlled studies published between database inception and 25th May 2022. We conducted a pre-registered random-effects meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42021236403). We identified 108 studies (N=5,889). Acute augmentation significantly reduced the severity of mental health problems (Hedges’ g=-0.27, 95% CI=(-0.36, -0.18); p<0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that pharmacological, psychological, and somatic augmentations were each effective, but varied in effect size. Acute augmentation approaches are a promising route to improve outcomes from psychological therapy.
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