Cognitive behavioural therapy may have modest benefits on quality of life, asthma control, and anxiety levels in adults with persistent asthma, a Cochrane review suggests.

According to the review that included nine randomised controlled trials and 407 adults with asthma, those who underwent CBT had improved scores on the Asthma Quality of Life Questionaire compared to participants getting usual care.

However the authors noted that evidence was lacking on the effect of CBT on asthma exacerbations, unscheduled contacts with health services for asthma, depression, and medication adherence

“Pooled effects suggest CBT may have modest benefits for people with asthma, but it remains unclear who is most likely to benefit, from what sort of programme, and whether CBT is superior to other psychological interventions,” they concluded.