Objectives
This paper sought to conduct a meta‐analysis of the effectiveness and durability of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) and assess the acceptability of CAT in terms of dropout rates.
Design
Systematic review and meta‐analysis.
Methods
PROSPERO registration: CRD42018086009. Searches identified CAT treatment outcome studies eligible to be narratively synthesized. Pre–post/post‐follow‐up effect sizes (ESs) were extracted and synthesized in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Variations in effect sizes were explored using moderator analyses. Dropout rates were extracted. Secondary analyses synthesized between‐group ES from trials of CAT.
Results
Twenty‐five studies providing pre–post CAT treatment outcomes were aggregated across three outcome comparisons of functioning, depression, and interpersonal problems. CAT produced large pre–post improvements in global functioning (ES = 0.86; 95% CI 0.71–1.01, N = 628), moderate‐to‐large improvements in interpersonal problems (ES = 0.74, 95% CI 0.51–0.97, N = 460), and large reductions in depression symptoms (ES = 1.05, 95% CI 0.80–1.29, N = 586). All these effects were maintained or improved upon at follow‐up. Limited moderators of CAT treatment effect were identified. CAT demonstrated small–moderate, significant post‐treatment benefits compared to comparators in nine clinical trials (ES = 0.36–0.53; N = 352). The average dropout rate for CAT was 16% (range 0–33%).
Conclusions
Patients with a range of presenting problems appear to experience durable improvements in their difficulties after undergoing CAT. Recommendations are provided to guide the further progression of the CAT outcome evidence base.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)