A meta-analysis included 41 randomized controlled trials that compared CBT with placebo.1 In 34 of these studies, the intervention was delivered on an individual basis, whereas in the remaining 7 studies CBT was delivered to groups.1
This meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials of CBT found:
- Moderate placebo-controlled effects of CBT on target disorder symptoms (Hedges’ g: 0.56)
- Small-to-moderate effects on other symptoms:
- Other anxiety symptoms (Hedges’ g: 0.38), Depression (Hedges’ g: 0.31), Quality of life (Hedges’ g: 0.30)
- People receiving CBT experienced better response rates compared with placebo (OR: 2.97)
There was a mean of 11 CBT sessions across the studies.1
Overall, there was an almost threefold higher response rate with CBT vs placebo.1
ASD=acute stress disorder; CI=confidence interval; CBT=cognitive–behavioural therapy; GAD=generalized anxiety disorder; OCD=obsessive–compulsive disorder; OR=odds ratio; PD=panic disorder; PTSD=posttraumatic stress disorder; QoL=quality of life; SAD=social anxiety disorder
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