Impact of long-term medical conditions on the outcomes of psychological therapy for depression and anxiety

Abstract

BackgroundLong-term conditions often coexist with depression and anxiety.AimsTo assess the effectiveness of stepped-care psychological therapies for patients with long-term conditions.MethodData from 28 498 patients were analysed using regression to model depression (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7)) outcomes. Post-treatment symptoms and effect sizes (d) were estimated for individuals with and without long-term conditions, controlling for covariates. The likelihood of access and response to intensive psychological interventions was also examined.ResultsHigher post-treatment symptoms were predicted for patients with musculoskeletal problems (d = 0.22–0.27), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (d = 0.26–0.33), diabetes (d = 0.05–0.13) and psychotic disorders (d = 0.50–0.58). Most long-term conditions were associated with greater odds of accessing high-intensity therapies, yet individuals who accessed these continued to have higher average post-treatment symptoms.ConclusionsSome long-term conditions are associated with greater intensity of care and poorer outcomes after therapy.