Scolaris Content Display Scolaris Content Display

6 Study flow diagram.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 1

6 Study flow diagram.

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 2

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 3

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, outcome: 1.4 Acceptability.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 4

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, outcome: 1.4 Acceptability.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 2 Severity of somatic symptoms within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 2 Severity of somatic symptoms within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 3 Severity of somatic symptoms > 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 3 Severity of somatic symptoms > 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 4 Acceptability.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 4 Acceptability.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 5 Severity of anxiety symptoms at end of treatment ‐ participant rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 5 Severity of anxiety symptoms at end of treatment ‐ participant rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 6 Severity of anxiety symptoms at end of treatment ‐ clinician rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 6 Severity of anxiety symptoms at end of treatment ‐ clinician rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 7 Severity of anxiety symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ participant rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 7 Severity of anxiety symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ participant rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 8 Severity of anxiety symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 8 Severity of anxiety symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 9 Severity of anxiety symptoms > 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 9 Severity of anxiety symptoms > 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 10 Severity of depressive symptoms at end of treatment ‐ participant rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 10 Severity of depressive symptoms at end of treatment ‐ participant rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 11 Severity of depressive symptoms at end of treatment ‐ clinician rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 11 Severity of depressive symptoms at end of treatment ‐ clinician rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 12 Severity of depressive symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ participant rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 12 Severity of depressive symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ participant rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 13 Severity of depressive symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 13 Severity of depressive symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 14 Severity of depressive symptoms > 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 14 Severity of depressive symptoms > 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 15 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions and behaviours at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.15

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 15 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions and behaviours at end of treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 16 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.16

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 16 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 17 Adverse events.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.17

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 17 Adverse events.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 18 Treatment response at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.18

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 18 Treatment response at end of treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 19 Treatment response within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.19

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 19 Treatment response within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 20 Treatment response > 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.20

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 20 Treatment response > 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 21 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.21

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 21 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 22 Functional disability and quality of life within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.22

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 22 Functional disability and quality of life within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 23 Functional disability and quality of life > 1 year of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.23

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 23 Functional disability and quality of life > 1 year of treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 24 Healthcare use at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.24

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 24 Healthcare use at end of treatment.

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 25 Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.25

Comparison 1 Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list, Outcome 25 Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 2 Severity of somatic symptoms within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 2 Severity of somatic symptoms within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 3 Severity of somatic symptoms > 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 3 Severity of somatic symptoms > 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 4 Acceptability.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 4 Acceptability.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 5 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 5 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) at end of treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 6 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 6 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 7 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) > 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 7 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) > 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 8 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 8 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours at end of treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 9 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.9

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 9 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 10 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours > 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.10

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 10 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours > 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 11 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.11

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 11 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 12 Functional disability and quality of life within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.12

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 12 Functional disability and quality of life within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 13 Functional disability and quality of life > 1 year of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.13

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 13 Functional disability and quality of life > 1 year of treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 14 Healthcare use at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.14

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 14 Healthcare use at end of treatment.

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 15 Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.15

Comparison 2 Psychological therapies versus enhanced care, Outcome 15 Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment.

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment.

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 2 Acceptability.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 2 Acceptability.

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 3 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 3 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) at end of treatment.

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 4 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy, Outcome 4 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment.

Summary of findings for the main comparison. Psychological therapy compared with usual care or waiting list for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms

Psychological therapy compared with usual care for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms

Patient or population: people with somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms
Settings: all settings
Intervention: psychological therapy
Comparison: usual care

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Usual care

Psychological therapy

Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment
Various instruments

The mean severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment ranged across control groups from
0.5 to 48.71 using varying scales1

The mean severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment in the intervention groups was
0.34 standard deviations lower
(0.53 to 0.16 lower)

1081
(10 studies2)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low3,4,5

A difference of 0.34 SMD was considered to be 'small to medium'

Acceptability
1 ‐ proportion of participants withdrawing during treatment

896 per 1000

833 per 1000
(788 to 887)

RR 0.93
(0.88 to 0.99)

1644
(14 studies6)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate7,8

Excluding the outlier (see footnote) (70 participants) reduced I2 statistic from 70% to 33%

Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, or behaviours (participant rated) at end of treatment
Whitely Index

The mean dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, or behaviours (participant rated) at end of treatment in the control groups was
7.3 on the Whitely Index

The mean dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, or behaviours (participant rated) at end of treatment in the intervention groups was
0.11 standard deviations lower
(0.37 lower to 0.16 higher)

440
(3 studies9)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate10

A difference of 0.11 SMD was considered to be 'small'

Treatment response at end of treatment
CGI‐improvement/Global impression of change

157 per 1000

517 per 1000
(326 to 816)

RR 3.30
(2.08 to 5.21)

391
(4 studies11)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low12,13

Functional disability/quality of life at end of treatment
Various instruments

The mean functional disability/quality of life at end of treatment in the intervention groups was
0.17 standard deviations higher
(0.03 to 0.32 higher)

730
(7 studies14)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low3,13

A difference of 0.17 SMD was considered to be small

Healthcare use
Various measures, participant or physician assessed < 1 year after end of treatment
Follow‐up: 6‐11 months

The mean healthcare use in the intervention groups was
0.09 standard deviations lower
(0.31 lower to 0.12 higher)

532
(4 studies15)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate12

Difference small and not statistically significant

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CGI: Clinical Global Impression; CI: confidence interval; RR: risk ratio; SMD: standardised mean difference

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Measured with different instruments using different scales.
2 Analysis 1.1.
3 Quality of evidence downgraded one point for each of the following study limitations (present in most studies): lack of blinding and incomplete outcome data (loss to follow up)
4 I2 = 49%.
5 95% CI crossed effect size of 0.5.
6 Analysis 1.4.
7 Quality downgraded by one point as studies not blinded. As acceptability and loss to follow‐up are interrelated, we decided not to downgrade the evidence for loss to follow‐up.
8 I2 = 70%. One outlier explained most of the heterogeneity (Kashner 1995).
9 Analysis 1.15.
10 Due to lack of blinding in all studies and loss to follow‐up in one study.
11 Analysis 1.18.
12 Due to lack of blinding in all studies and loss to follow‐up > 20% in 2 studies.
13 < 300 events.
14 Analysis 1.21.
15 Analysis 1.25.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings for the main comparison. Psychological therapy compared with usual care or waiting list for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms
Summary of findings 2. Psychological therapy compared with enhanced or structured care for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms

Patient or population: somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms
Settings: all settings
Intervention: psychological therapies
Comparison: enhanced or structured care

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Enhanced or structured care

Psychological therapies

Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment

The mean severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment in the intervention groups was
0.19 standard deviations lower
(0.43 lower to 0.04 higher)

624
(5 studies1)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
low2, 11

95% CI excluded large effect (> 0.5 SMD)

Acceptability
1 ‐ proportion of participants withdrawing during treatment

904 per 1000

841 per 1000
(787 to 904)

RR 0.93
(0.87 to 1)

679
(5 studies3)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate4

Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, or behaviours at end of treatment
Whitely Index (different forms)

The mean dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, or behaviours at end of treatment in the intervention groups was
0.09 standard deviations lower
(0.29 lower to 0.1 higher)

499
(4 studies5)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate6

95% CI excluded clinically relevant effect

Treatment response at end of treatment

Study population

Not estimable

0
(0)

See comment

No studies reported on this outcome (see text)

See comment

See comment

Moderate

Functional disability/quality of life at end of treatment
Various instruments

The mean functional disability/quality of life at end of treatment in the intervention groups was
0.13 standard deviations higher
(0.05 lower to 0.3 higher)

497
(4 studies7)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate6

95% CI excluded clinically relevant effect

Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment

The mean healthcare use within 1 year after treatment in the intervention groups was
0.24 standard deviations lower
(0.46 to 0.01 lower)

319
(2 studies8)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low9,10

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval; RR: risk ratio; SMD: standardised mean difference.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Analysis 2.1.
2 I2 = 53%
3 Analysis 2.4.
4 Quality of evidence downgraded by one point as studies not blinded. As acceptability and loss to follow‐up are interrelated, we decided not to downgrade the evidence for loss to follow‐up.
5 Analysis 2.8.
6 Assessment of quality of evidence downgraded by one point as studies were not blinded.
7 Analysis 2.11.
8 Analysis 2.15.
9 In addition to both studies not being blinded, high loss to follow‐up in one study. We therefore downgraded our assessment of the quality of the evidence by two points.
10 Only 2 studies with < 400 analysed participants.

11 No blinding (all studies) and >20% loss to follow up (2 studies)

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 2. Psychological therapy compared with enhanced or structured care for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms
Table 1. Diagnostic categories of somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms and their eligibility for the current review

Eligible for this review?

DSM‐IV

ICD‐10

YES

NO

Somatisation disorder

Somatisation disorder

x

Undifferentiated somatoform disorder (duration > 6 months)

Undifferentiated somatoform disorder (duration > 6 months)

x

Somatoform autonomic dysfunction

x

Pain disorder

Persistent somatoform pain disorder

x

Somatoform disorders, unspecified

Somatoform disorders unspecified

x

Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriacal disorder

x

Other somatoform disorders

x

Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder

x

Conversion disorder

Dissociative and conversion disorders

x

YES

NO

Alternative somatoform diagnoses (such as abridged somatisation disorder or multisomatoform disorder)

x

Chronic MUPS (duration ≥ 6 months)

x

Functional somatic syndromes

x

Specific functional somatic symptoms

x

DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; ICD: International Classification of Diseases.

Figuras y tablas -
Table 1. Diagnostic categories of somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms and their eligibility for the current review
Table 2. Interventions in included studies sorted by number of sessions

Intervention

Group/alone

Duration

Number of sessions

Therapist

Comparison

duration of follow‐up

Martin 2007

CBT

group

once

1

psychologist and psychotherapeutic specialist

usual care

6 months

Burton 2012

psychological therapy in symptoms clinic

alone

3 months

4

experienced specialised GP

usual care

3 months

Schweickhardt 2007

psychotherapy

alone

2 weeks

5

psychotherapists

psychoeducational reading material

6 months

Sumathipala 2000

CBT

alone

3 months

6

research psychiatrist

usual care

3 months

Sumathipala 2008

CBT

alone

3 months

6

trained primary care physician

enhanced treatment as usual

12 months

Schröder 2013

CBT

group

2 months

8

psychotherapist

progressive muscle relaxation

6 months

Van Ravensteijn 2013

mindfullness‐based cognitive therapy

group

2 months

8

experienced mindfullness trainer

enhanced treatment as usual

9 months

Fjorback 2013

mindfullness

group

3 months

8

experienced psychiatrist

enhanced treatment as usual

15 months

Kashner 1995

group psychological intervention + CL

group

4 months

8

master level clinician

consultation letter

12 months

Lidbeck 1997

CBT

group

3 months

9

trained physician

waiting list

9 months

Schroder 2012

stress intervention (psychotherapy + letter etc)

group + alone

4 months

9

consultant or senior resident psychiatry

enhanced treatment as usual

16 months

Katsamanis 2011

psychophysiologic treatment + psychiatric consultation

alone

10 weeks

10

psychologist or biofeedback clinician

psychiatric consultation

10 weeks

Moreno 2013

CBT + Letter (1) CBT + Letter (2)

alone (1) group (2)

10 weeks

10

psychologist

usual care + letter

12 months

Allen 2006

CBT + psychiatric consultation

alone

3 months

10

trained and experienced psychologist

psychiatric consultation

15 months

Escobar 2007

CBT + psychiatric consultation letter

alone

3 months

10

therapist

usual care + PCL

9 moths

Sattel 2012

psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy

alone

3 months

12

psychologist or physician with psychotherapy experience

enhanced treatment as usual

9 months

Schaefert 2013

GP training in MUPS + interpersonal psychodynamically based therapy

group

9 months

12

psychosomatic specialist

GP training in MUPS

12 months

Zonneveld 2012

CBT

group

13 weeks

13

psychologist

waiting list

13 weeks

Schilte 2001

disclosure intervention

alone

unclear

unclear

trained disclosure doctor

usual care

24 months

Speckens 1995

CBT

alone

6 months

6‐16

trained physician and behavioural therapist

enhanced treatment as usual

12 months

Kolk 2004

psychological intervention (varied)

alone

max 6 months

max 12

trained therapist

usual care

12 months

CBT: cognitive behavioural therapy; GP: general practitioner; max: maximum; MUPS: medically unexplained physical symptoms.

Figuras y tablas -
Table 2. Interventions in included studies sorted by number of sessions
Comparison 1. Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment Show forest plot

10

1081

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.34 [‐0.53, ‐0.16]

1.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

6

593

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.37 [‐0.69, ‐0.05]

1.2 Behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

37

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.22 [‐0.87, 0.43]

1.3 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

114

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.31 [‐0.68, 0.06]

1.4 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

252

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.39 [‐0.64, ‐0.13]

1.5 Integrative therapies versus usual care or waiting list

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.15 [‐0.69, 0.40]

2 Severity of somatic symptoms within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

7

950

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.24 [‐0.37, ‐0.11]

2.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

4

496

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.29 [‐0.49, ‐0.09]

2.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

107

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.15 [‐0.53, 0.23]

2.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

262

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.20 [‐0.44, 0.05]

2.4 Integrative therapies versus usual care or waiting list

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.15 [‐0.69, 0.40]

3 Severity of somatic symptoms > 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

2

228

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.52 [‐0.80, ‐0.24]

3.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

228

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.52 [‐0.80, ‐0.24]

4 Acceptability Show forest plot

14

1644

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.93 [0.88, 0.99]

4.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

10

1037

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.93 [0.85, 1.01]

4.2 Behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

48

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.9 [0.67, 1.21]

4.3 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

125

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.85 [0.72, 1.00]

4.4 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

328

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.88, 0.96]

4.5 Integrative therapies versus usual care or waiting list

1

106

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.06 [0.81, 1.39]

5 Severity of anxiety symptoms at end of treatment ‐ participant rated Show forest plot

4

270

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.06 [‐0.20, 0.32]

5.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

3

185

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.07 [‐0.22, 0.37]

5.2 Integrative therapies versus usual care or waiting list

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.01 [‐0.53, 0.56]

6 Severity of anxiety symptoms at end of treatment ‐ clinician rated Show forest plot

3

320

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.40 [‐0.63, ‐0.17]

6.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care

2

284

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.38 [‐0.63, ‐0.14]

6.2 Behavioural therapy versus usual care

1

36

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.57 [‐1.24, 0.10]

7 Severity of anxiety symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ participant rated Show forest plot

2

134

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.18 [‐0.22, 0.58]

7.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

49

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [‐0.59, 0.59]

7.2 Integrative therapies versus usual care or waiting list

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.33 [‐0.21, 0.88]

8 Severity of anxiety symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated Show forest plot

2

251

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.66 [‐1.15, ‐0.18]

9 Severity of anxiety symptoms > 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated Show forest plot

1

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

10 Severity of depressive symptoms at end of treatment ‐ participant rated Show forest plot

6

661

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.03 [‐0.22, 0.16]

10.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

4

325

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.09 [‐0.13, 0.31]

10.2 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

251

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐0.55, ‐0.04]

10.3 Integrative therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.10 [‐0.45, 0.64]

11 Severity of depressive symptoms at end of treatment ‐ clinician rated Show forest plot

3

316

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.25 [‐0.48, ‐0.02]

11.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

284

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.25 [‐0.49, ‐0.01]

11.2 Behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

32

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.26 [‐0.96, 0.44]

12 Severity of depressive symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ participant rated Show forest plot

4

535

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.04 [‐0.34, 0.42]

12.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

189

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [‐0.07, 0.50]

12.2 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

261

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.35 [‐0.59, ‐0.10]

12.3 Integrative therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.31 [‐0.24, 0.85]

13 Severity of depressive symptoms within 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated Show forest plot

2

251

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.55 [‐1.17, 0.07]

14 Severity of depressive symptoms > 1 year after treatment ‐ clinician rated Show forest plot

1

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

15 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions and behaviours at end of treatment Show forest plot

3

440

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.11 [‐0.37, 0.16]

15.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

189

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.15 [‐0.73, 0.44]

15.2 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

251

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.14 [‐0.39, 0.12]

16 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

3

451

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.16 [‐0.38, 0.07]

16.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

189

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.25 [‐0.79, 0.30]

16.2 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

262

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.13 [‐0.38, 0.11]

17 Adverse events Show forest plot

3

445

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.31 [0.47, 3.66]

18 Treatment response at end of treatment Show forest plot

4

391

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.30 [2.08, 5.21]

19 Treatment response within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

3

332

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.53 [1.25, 5.10]

20 Treatment response > 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

2

240

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

10.31 [2.95, 36.02]

21 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment Show forest plot

7

730

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.17 [0.03, 0.32]

21.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

4

341

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.15 [‐0.06, 0.37]

21.2 Behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

34

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.16 [‐0.51, 0.83]

21.3 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

111

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.08 [‐0.29, 0.46]

21.4 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

244

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.24 [‐0.01, 0.50]

22 Functional disability and quality of life within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

4

526

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.16 [‐0.01, 0.33]

22.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

168

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.22 [‐0.08, 0.53]

22.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

107

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.10 [‐0.48, 0.28]

22.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

251

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.23 [‐0.02, 0.48]

23 Functional disability and quality of life > 1 year of treatment Show forest plot

1

72

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.36 [‐0.11, 0.82]

24 Healthcare use at end of treatment Show forest plot

2

117

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.68 [‐1.06, ‐0.30]

25 Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

4

532

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.09 [‐0.31, 0.12]

25.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care or waiting list

2

189

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.27 [‐0.56, 0.02]

25.2 Integrative therapies versus usual care or waiting list

1

81

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.13 [‐0.44, 0.69]

25.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus usual care or waiting list

1

262

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.02 [‐0.23, 0.26]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 1. Psychological therapies versus usual care or waiting list
Comparison 2. Psychological therapies versus enhanced care

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment Show forest plot

5

624

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.19 [‐0.43, 0.04]

1.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

3

307

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.34 [‐0.71, 0.03]

1.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

106

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.01 [‐0.38, 0.39]

1.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.04 [‐0.31, 0.23]

2 Severity of somatic symptoms within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

5

593

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.21 [‐0.40, ‐0.02]

2.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

3

289

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐0.60, ‐0.00]

2.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

93

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.05 [‐0.36, 0.46]

2.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.20 [‐0.47, 0.07]

3 Severity of somatic symptoms > 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

2

172

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.32 [‐0.73, 0.10]

3.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

82

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.53 [‐0.98, ‐0.09]

3.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

90

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.11 [‐0.53, 0.30]

4 Acceptability Show forest plot

5

679

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.93 [0.87, 1.00]

4.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

3

349

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.82, 1.02]

4.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

119

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.82, 1.01]

4.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.89, 1.14]

5 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) at end of treatment Show forest plot

5

624

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.14 [‐0.30, 0.02]

5.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

3

307

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.17 [‐0.40, 0.05]

5.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

106

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.05 [‐0.43, 0.33]

5.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.13 [‐0.40, 0.14]

6 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

5

593

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.13 [‐0.29, 0.03]

6.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

3

289

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.17 [‐0.40, 0.06]

6.2 Third‐wave behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

93

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.04 [‐0.45, 0.36]

6.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.11 [‐0.38, 0.16]

7 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) > 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

2

184

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.26 [‐0.55, 0.03]

7.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

94

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.36 [‐0.77, 0.04]

7.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

90

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.15 [‐0.56, 0.26]

8 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours at end of treatment Show forest plot

4

499

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.09 [‐0.29, 0.10]

8.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

2

182

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.28 [‐0.57, 0.01]

8.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

106

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.06 [‐0.32, 0.44]

8.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [‐0.27, 0.27]

9 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

4

477

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.24 [‐0.49, 0.00]

9.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

2

173

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.45 [‐0.83, ‐0.07]

9.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

93

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.03 [‐0.44, 0.38]

9.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.13 [‐0.40, 0.14]

10 Dysfunctional cognitions, emotions, and behaviours > 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

2

184

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐1.27, 0.11]

10.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

94

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.94 [‐1.36, ‐0.51]

10.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

90

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.23 [‐0.64, 0.19]

11 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment Show forest plot

4

497

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.13 [‐0.05, 0.30]

11.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

2

182

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [‐0.08, 0.51]

11.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

104

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.07 [‐0.31, 0.46]

11.3 Psychodynamic therapy at end of treatment

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.08 [‐0.19, 0.35]

12 Functional disability and quality of life within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

4

476

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.20 [0.02, 0.38]

12.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

2

173

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.30 [0.00, 0.60]

12.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

92

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.10 [‐0.31, 0.51]

12.3 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.16 [‐0.11, 0.43]

13 Functional disability and quality of life > 1 year of treatment Show forest plot

2

184

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.22 [‐0.16, 0.60]

13.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

94

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.42 [0.01, 0.83]

13.2 Third‐wave cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

90

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.03 [‐0.39, 0.44]

14 Healthcare use at end of treatment Show forest plot

2

334

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.03 [‐0.33, 0.28]

14.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

123

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.21 [‐0.56, 0.15]

14.2 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.11 [‐0.16, 0.38]

15 Healthcare use within 1 year after treatment Show forest plot

2

319

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.24 [‐0.46, ‐0.01]

15.1 Cognitive behavioural therapy versus enhanced care

1

108

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.08 [‐0.46, 0.30]

15.2 Psychodynamic therapy versus enhanced care

1

211

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.32 [‐0.59, ‐0.05]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 2. Psychological therapies versus enhanced care
Comparison 3. Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Severity of somatic symptoms at end of treatment Show forest plot

1

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2 Acceptability Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3 Severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms (or both) at end of treatment Show forest plot

1

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4 Functional disability and quality of life at end of treatment Show forest plot

1

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 3. Cognitive behavioural therapy versus behavioural therapy