Shields GS, Spahr CM, Slavich GM. Psychosocial Interventions and Immune System Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020 Oct 1;77(10):1031-1043. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0431. PMID: 32492090; PMCID: PMC7272116.
- Inflammation-linked diseases cause over 50% of global deaths. Psychosocial interventions may help, but it’s unclear which work best and for whom.
- Study: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 56 RCTs (4,060 participants) across 8 psychosocial interventions and 7 immune markers.
- Findings: Interventions led to a 14.7% improvement in beneficial immune function and 18% reduction in harmful immune activity.
- Most effective: CBT and combined/multiple interventions, especially those targeting proinflammatory markers.
- Lasting effects: Benefits persisted at least 6 months post-treatment and held across age, sex, and treatment duration.
- Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions reliably improve immune function and may be a useful public health strategy.
Gabriella True
