The efficacy and effectiveness of psychological treatments for mood, anxiety, and related disorders.

Abstract

We provide a narrative review of the extensive evidence that supports the efficacy and effectiveness of psychological treatments, across the life span, for common mental health disorders. To this end, relying primarily on meta-analytic studies, we examine the effects of psychological treatments for depression, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Based upon data from hundreds of studies and thousands of participants, there is substantial evidence for both the efficacy and effectiveness of specific forms of psychological intervention for these disorders. Moreover, for most disorders, the clinical impact of specific forms of psychological treatment has been found to be at least equal to that of medication. Accordingly, the research evidence strongly supports the use of a number of specific psychological treatments, most of which are cognitive-behavioural treatments, as first-line interventions for these commonly occurring mental disorders among youth, adults, and older adults.

Evidence-Based Practice: Separating Science from Pseudoscience

“…Although there was a time when EBP was largely synonymous with cognitive-behavioural therapy, interventions from other theoretical frameworks (for example, interpersonal psychotherapy and short-term Evidence-Based Practice: Separating Science From Pseudoscience psychodynamic therapies) are also efficacious for certain conditions. 69,70 …”

Are Anxiety and Depression the Same Disorder?

“…This single disorder perspective also offers insight into the widespread success of single process therapies upon numerous and supposedly different disorders. 84 Where considering a possible singular psychopathological model of these disorders would likely be of greatest importance is in refining measures of prevention, intervention, and, when required, recovery oriented medication of mental illness through detailed study and understanding of this underlying anxiety psychopathology.…”

Plaidoyer pour l’inclusion de psychologues dans les équipes de santé familiale en Ontario, Canada

“…Place du psychologue en soins primaires Plusieurs études et rapports (Hunsley, Elliott, & Therrien, 2014 ;Hunsley, 2003 ; Ontario Psychological Association, 1997 ; Ontario Psychological Association, 1997) ont montré que les problèmes courants de santé mentale (dépression et anxiété) associés ou non à des maladies chroniques peuvent être efficacement diagnostiqués et traités par des psychologues et notamment par des traitements psychologiques scientifiquement reconnus comme étant efficaces et efficients en termes de coûts des interventions. La psychologie contemporaine ne prend pas seulement en considération la santé mentale.…”