Biological markers evaluated in randomized trials of psychological treatments for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ioana A. Cristea, Eirini Karyotaki, Steven D. Hollon, Pim Cuijpers, Claudio Gentili*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Though it is widely believed that psychotherapy changes biology, this contention is largely based on observational data, subject to confounding. We report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of biological variables assessed, as outcomes or predictors of response, in randomized controlled trials of psychotherapy for adult depression. Fifty-one trials (5123 participants) and a pooled analysis were included. Biological markers were outcomes in 43 studies and predictors of treatment response in 9. At post-treatment, psychotherapy could not be distinguished from control conditions for glycaemic control (Hb1AC), 7 trials, Hedges’ g= -.01, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.29, I 2 = 65% and cortisol concentration after-wake, 5 trials, Hedges’ g= -.19, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.06, I 2 = 0%. Follow-up results were similar. For the other biological domains (immunological, neurobiological, inflammatory, weight, blood pressure), overall findings were mixed and often inconsistent. Few trials investigated prediction of response, with only neuroimaging markers showing promise. Across domains, we found limited evidence that benefits of psychological treatments for depression translate to biological outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)32-44
Number of pages13
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume101
Early online date25 Mar 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019

Funding

Ioana A. Cristea was supported for this work by a grant Romanian Ministery of Research and Innovation, CNCS – UEFISCDI (project number PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-1054 ) awarded to Ioana A. Cristea. The funding organization had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

FundersFunder number
Romanian Ministery of Research and Innovation
Corporation for National and Community Service
Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si InovariiPN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-1054

    Keywords

    • Biomarkers
    • Depression
    • Meta-analysis
    • Psychotherapy
    • Randomized controlled trial

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