Pandemic mental health therapies showed symptom benefits and differences in dropout
A review of randomized trials found improvements with several psychosocial approaches, but results differed by symptom and confidence in the evidence varied.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Several psychosocial approaches improved anxiety or depressive symptoms compared with no treatment or usual care among people affected by the pandemic. Benefits varied by symptom and intervention, while some approaches had higher dropout rates. Confidence ranged from moderate to very low, leaving uncertainty about which approach offers the most dependable benefit.
Confidence ranged from moderate to very low. This abstract-based brief lacks effect sizes, follow-up durations and reasons for dropout, limiting assessment of benefit size, persistence and acceptability.
What researchers found
Depressive symptoms
Positive psychotherapy, mindfulness/acceptance approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy and yoga versus no treatment or usual care; assessment timing and effect sizes were not reported.
Benefits differed by symptom
The interventions showing symptom improvements were not identical for anxiety, depression and stress. Positive psychotherapy also outperformed expressive writing for depression and stress, so the comparison treatment matters when interpreting an apparent benefit.
Dropout needs context
Resilience training, art-based therapy and yoga had higher dropout rates than no treatment and several alternatives. The abstract does not explain departures, so these differences cannot establish that participants experienced harm or dissatisfaction.
The original publication
Comparative Efficacy and Attrition Rates of Psychosocial Interventions for Individuals Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Network Meta-Analysis.
Li Y, Liu X, Guo Z et al.
Stress Health · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41254919
- Record checked
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