Internet CBT results for somatic symptoms varied by comparison treatment
Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy improved symptoms versus waiting lists, but showed no clear difference from other psychotherapies. Usual-care results varied.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Internet CBT improved several symptom outcomes compared with waiting lists. Against other psychotherapies, it showed no statistically clear difference in general symptoms or health anxiety, which does not establish equivalence. Results versus usual treatment varied by condition. The comparison group therefore matters when interpreting what this review found.
This abstract-based summary reflects variation across disorder subtypes. Treatment lengths, longer-term outcomes and adverse-event definitions are not provided, limiting interpretation of durability and tolerability.
What researchers found
General symptom scores after treatment
Internet CBT versus other psychotherapies. Hedges' g expresses the difference in standard deviation units, not raw symptom-score points; zero means no difference. The confidence interval includes zero, leaving no clear difference and not establishing equivalence.
Why the comparator matters
Waiting-list comparisons favored internet CBT for general symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue and health anxiety. Usual-treatment comparisons were less consistent, with uncertain estimates for fatigue and fibromyalgia after treatment.
Interpreting adverse events
The pooled adverse-event rate among internet-CBT participants was 27%, with no serious events reported. The abstract lacks event definitions and a control-group rate, so comparative safety cannot be established.
The original publication
Efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on somatic symptom disorder and common related functional disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Liu S, Li Y, He Z et al.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41592512
- Record checked
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