Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Reducing Depression among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this review is to identify the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and the characteristics of CBT therapy that effectively improve depression among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: Studies that assessed CBT efficacy in decreasing depression among CHD patients with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched through PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened and critically appraised them using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The fixed- and random-effect models were applied to pool standardized mean differences. Results: Fourteen RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis. Depression was significantly lower in the CBT group (SMD −0.37; 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.31; p < 0.00001; I2 = 46%). Depression in the CBT group was significantly lower in the short-term follow-up (SMD −0.46; 95% CI: −0.69 to −0.23; p < 0.0001; I2 = 52%). Moreover, the subsequent therapy approaches were effective in reducing depression, including face-to-face and remote CBT, CBT alone or combination therapy (individual or mixed with a group), and frequent meetings. Conclusions: CBT therapy effectively reduces depression, particularly in short-term follow-up. The application of CBT therapy in CHD patients should consider these findings to increase the efficacy and efficiency of therapy. Future research is needed to address generalizability.

Depression and coronary heart disease: mechanisms, interventions, and treatments

“…However, this benefit may not be sustained after treatment discontinuation (119). However, conflicting results have been reported, with some studies indicating that the benefits of antidepressant treatment for CHD are not significant (120)(121)(122). This suggests that although cognitive behavior therapy can alleviate depressive symptoms in CHD patients, it is only during short-term follow-up, and its impact on the long-term prognosis is not definite (120).…”

“…However, conflicting results have been reported, with some studies indicating that the benefits of antidepressant treatment for CHD are not significant (120)(121)(122). This suggests that although cognitive behavior therapy can alleviate depressive symptoms in CHD patients, it is only during short-term follow-up, and its impact on the long-term prognosis is not definite (120). Meanwhile, for patients with MI and depression, antidepressant treatment does not seem to reduce long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or all-cause mortality (121).…”

Ischemic Heart Disease as an Important Risk Factor for Depression—A Case Report

“…After the onset of ischemic heart disease, prophylactic and curative treatment is essential, but so is social and professional rehabilitation, as well as psychological support for the patient. In addition, depressed patients should be monitored from a cardiological point of view, and treatment should be individually tailored according to the details of individual cases [10].…”