Allan Abbass1, Joel Town2, Hannah Holmes3, Patrick Luyten4,5, Angela Cooper2, Leo Russell6, Mark A Lumley3, Howard Schubiner7, Jenny Allinson8, Denise Bernier2, Celine De Meulemeester4, Kurt Kroenke9, Steve Kisely2,10. 1. Centre for Emotions and Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, allan.abbass@dal.ca. 2. Centre for Emotions and Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 3. Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. 4. University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 5. University College London, London, United Kingdom. 6. Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Devon, United Kingdom. 7. Ascension Providence Hospital and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Southfield, Michigan, USA. 8. Babylon Health, London, United Kingdom. 9. Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. 10. University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Functionalsomatic disorders (FSD) are common and costly, thereby driving the need for the development of effective brief treatment options. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is one candidate treatment method. OBJECTIVE: To review and meta-analyze, where possible, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of STPP for FSD. METHODS: Following a systematic search of the literature, we performed a meta-analysis of available RCT groups to determine the effects of STPP on a range of outcomes after treatment, and medium- and long-term follow-ups. RESULTS: In meta-analyses of 17 RCTs, STPP significantly outperformed minimal treatment, treatment as usual, or waiting list controls on somatic symptom measures at all time frames, with small to large magnitude effect sizes. Descriptive reviews of 5 RCTs suggest that STPP performed at least as well as other bona fide psychological therapies. Limitations of this meta-analysis include small samples of studies and possible publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: STPP is a valid treatment option for diverse FSD conditions resulting in somatic symptom reductions that persist over time. STPP should be included in FSD treatment guidelines.
INTRODUCTION:Functionalsomatic disorders (FSD) are common and costly, thereby driving the need for the development of effective brief treatment options. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is one candidate treatment method. OBJECTIVE: To review and meta-analyze, where possible, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of STPP for FSD. METHODS: Following a systematic search of the literature, we performed a meta-analysis of available RCT groups to determine the effects of STPP on a range of outcomes after treatment, and medium- and long-term follow-ups. RESULTS: In meta-analyses of 17 RCTs, STPP significantly outperformed minimal treatment, treatment as usual, or waiting list controls on somatic symptom measures at all time frames, with small to large magnitude effect sizes. Descriptive reviews of 5 RCTs suggest that STPP performed at least as well as other bona fide psychological therapies. Limitations of this meta-analysis include small samples of studies and possible publication bias. CONCLUSIONS:STPP is a valid treatment option for diverse FSD conditions resulting in somatic symptom reductions that persist over time. STPP should be included in FSD treatment guidelines.
Authors: Mauro Giovanni Carta; Federica Sancassiani; Davide Bina; Marco Licciardi; Giulia Cossu; Antonio Egidio Nardi; Luigi Meloni; Roberta Montisci Journal: J Public Health Res Date: 2022-03-16