Are cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy, and behavioural activation for depression effective in primary care? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Carey M., Kerr-Gaffney J., Strawbridge R., Hieronymus F., McCutcheon RA., Young AH., Jauhar S.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a recommended first-line treatment for depression. Evidence mainly derives from studies in secondary care, though most treatment occurs in primary care. This review examined efficacy of CBT, cognitive therapy (CT), or behavioural activation (BA) for depression within primary care. Databases were searched for trials up to 23rd July 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, version 2.0.44 studies were included. CBT, CT, and BA significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to inactive controls (k = 40, g = 0.44, p