The efficacy of psychosocial interventions on anxiety and depression in cancer caregivers: a network meta-analysis

BackgroundCancer caregivers often face substantial psychosocial burdens, which can lead to significant anxiety and depression. This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy of various psychosocial interventions in alleviating these symptoms.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated psychosocial interventions for cancer caregivers. Data were synthesized using a network meta-analysis to compare the effects of different interventions on anxiety and depression.ResultsA total of 35 trials involving 7 types of psychosocial interventions were included. Three interventions-meaning-centered psychotherapy (anxiety: MD = - 5.48, 95% CI: - 8.46 to - 2.49; depression: MD = - 5.13, 95% CI: - 8.27 to - 1.96), psychoeducation (anxiety: MD = - 9.38, 95% CI: - 13.76 to - 4.94), and supportive therapy (anxiety: MD = - 7.05, 95% CI: - 11.12 to - 3.05; depression: MD = - 5.59, 95% CI: - 9.83 to - 1.36), showed significant efficacy in reducing anxiety and depression. Network meta-analysis indicated that these interventions were superior to control conditions in alleviating symptoms.ConclusionMeaning-centered psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and supportive therapy are particularly effective in reducing anxiety and depression among cancer caregivers. Our findings support the implementation of these psychosocial interventions as part of routine care.