Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis Demo

Phase 1: Topic & PICO

In this phase, you define your research question using the PICO framework. The AI analyses your topic and generates a structured, reviewable PICO with inclusion/exclusion criteria.

🤖AI Analysis

Recommended PICO

In adults (18+) with diagnosed anxiety disorders, does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (individual or group-based, minimum 6 sessions) compared to waitlist control, treatment as usual, or pharmacotherapy alone lead to greater reduction in anxiety symptoms as measured by validated scales (GAD-7, BAI, STAI)?

Reasoning

This PICO formulation addresses a critical clinical need in mental health where anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric conditions globally. The question is specific, measurable, and clinically relevant, focusing on a targeted population with clear interventions and comprehensive outcomes that balance efficacy with practical applicability.

population

Adults (≥18 years) with a formal diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), or panic disorder, confirmed by DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria

intervention

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), delivered individually or in group format, comprising a minimum of 6 structured sessions, including cognitive restructuring and behavioural exposure components

comparison

Waitlist control, treatment as usual (TAU), attention placebo, or pharmacotherapy alone (SSRIs/SNRIs)

outcome

Primary: Reduction in anxiety symptoms measured by validated scales (GAD-7, BAI, STAI, HADS-A). Secondary: Response rate (≥50% reduction), remission rate, quality of life (SF-36, WHOQOL), functional impairment (SDS), treatment dropout rates

Inclusion Criteria

✓Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or high-quality quasi-experimental studies

✓Adults ≥18 years with confirmed anxiety disorder diagnosis

✓CBT delivered by trained therapist (face-to-face or telehealth)

✓Minimum follow-up period of 4 weeks post-treatment

✓Published in English in peer-reviewed journals

✓Studies reporting validated anxiety outcome measures

Exclusion Criteria

✗Case reports, case series, or studies with <20 participants

✗Studies focused exclusively on children or adolescents

✗CBT combined with pharmacotherapy as the sole intervention arm

✗Studies where anxiety is secondary to another primary condition

✗Conference abstracts without full peer-reviewed publication

✗Studies with follow-up of less than 4 weeks

Why This Matters

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 301 million people worldwide, making them the most prevalent mental health conditions globally. While pharmacological treatments (SSRIs, benzodiazepines) remain widely prescribed, concerns about side effects, dependency, and relapse upon discontinuation have driven increasing interest in psychological interventions. CBT has emerged as a first-line treatment recommendation in multiple clinical guidelines, yet the magnitude of its effect across anxiety subtypes, delivery formats, and comparison conditions remains debated. This systematic review will synthesise the highest-quality evidence to inform clinical practice and guideline development.

Confidence:High