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News
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps Parkinson's disease patients manage anxiety and depression, but the format matters. A new network meta-analysis found that face-to-face individual CBT performed best overall, while remote individual CBT delivered sustained long-term benefits. Group and self-help formats showed more limited or short-lived effects.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a proven tool for easing anxiety and depression in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients — but a new study shows that how it's delivered makes a real difference. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials (2,103 participants across 11 countries), published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, compared six CBT delivery formats: face-to-face individual, face-to-face group, remote individual, remote group, and self-help.
Face-to-face individual CBT came out on top overall, showing the strongest effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Remote individual CBT — delivered via video, phone, or internet — proved to be a strong option for long-term outcomes, sustaining improvements in both anxiety and depression at follow-up. Group-based formats helped in the short term but didn't hold up as well over time.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: For the millions living with Parkinson's disease, mental health is often undertreated. This study gives clinicians clearer guidance on which CBT formats to prioritize — and validates telehealth delivery as a durable, accessible option for this population.
