Clinical Focus ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 5-11.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2026.01.001

• Original article •     Next Articles

Meta-analysis of the intervention effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on depressive symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Xiang Yuxin1, Zhong Yuhao2()   

  1. 1. Department of Public Administration, Beijing City University, Beijing 100094, China
    2. School of Software, Chongqing Institute of Engineering, Chongqing 400056, China
  • Received:2025-07-01 Online:2026-01-20 Published:2026-02-02
  • Contact: Zhong Yuhao E-mail:zyh13635444863@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for reducing depressive symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods We conducted a systematic search of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the intervention effect of CBT for depressive symptoms among T2DM patients published from January 1, 2015 to May 1, 2025. Eligible studies were screened per predefined criteria and appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Pooled analyses were performed in RevMan 5.4 using standardized mean differences (SMDs). Results Ten RCTs including 1, 000 participants met the inclusion criteria. Pooled results indicated a large and statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms following CBT (SMD=-2.10; 95%CI -3.07 to -1.12; Z=4.22; P<0.01). The benefit persisted in follow-up analyses (SMD=-3.76; 95%CI -5.57 to -1.96; Z=4.08; P<0.01). Subgroup analyses showed efficacy across delivery formats and dose: Individual CBT (SMD=-1.56; 95%CI -2.53 to -0.60; Z=3.17; P=0.002) and group CBT (SMD=-2.36; 95%CI -3.62 to -1.10; Z=3.66; P=0.0002), and shorter (≤8 sessions; SMD=-1.39; 95%CI -2.57 to -0.20; Z=2.30; P=0.02) as well as longer (>8 sessions; SMD=-2.70; 95%CI -4.25 to -1.15; Z=3.42; P=0.0006) intervention courses were all associated with significant symptom improvement. Conclusion CBT is effective in alleviating depressive symptoms among patients with T2DM. Given these findings, mental health professionals working with this population may consider incorporating CBT into routine care.

Key words: diabetes mellitus, cognitive behavioral therapy, depression, meta-analysis

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