The effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy for reducing anxiety symptoms following traumatic brain injury: A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is a common neuropsychological sequela following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) recommended, first-line intervention for anxiety disorders in the non-TBI clinical population, however its effectiveness after TBI remains unclear and findings are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: There no current meta-analyses exploring efficacy of CBT as an symptoms TBI, using controlled trials. The aim study, therefore, was to systematically review synthesize evidence from trials anxiety, specifically within population. METHOD: Three electronic databases (Web Science, PubMed PsycInfo) were searched systematic studies utilising related outcome measures population performed through searching three databases. Studies further evaluated quality based on Reichow’s (2011) appraisal tool. Baseline data extracted 10 that met inclusion criteria, effect sizes calculated. RESULTS: A random effects meta-analysis identified small overall size (Cohen’s d) d = –0.26 (95%CI –0.41 –0.11) interventions reducing TBI. CONCLUSIONS: This tentatively supports view may be effective some patients smaller than those reported populations. Clinical implications limitations discussed.