The difference between shorter- versus longer-term psychotherapy for adult mental health disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The optimal psychotherapy duration for mental health disorders is unclear. Our aim was to assess the beneficial and harmful effects of shorter- versus longer-term psychotherapy for adult mental health disorders.

Method

We searched relevant databases and websites for published and unpublished randomised clinical trials assessing different durations of the same psychotherapy type before June 27, 2022. Our methodology was based on Cochrane and an eight-step procedure. Primary outcomes were quality of life, serious adverse events, and symptom severity. Secondary outcomes were suicide or suicide-attempts, self-harm, and level of functioning.

Results

We included 19 trials randomising 3,447 participants. All trials were at high risk of bias. Three single trials me

SUBMITTER: Juul S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10273498 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature