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The following is a summary of “Effectiveness of social and therapeutic horticulture for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the January 2025 issue of Psychiatry by Wood et al.
Depression and anxiety are common, often co-occurring mental health conditions that relapse over time. Sustainable treatment options, like social and therapeutic horticulture (STH), are needed to reduce symptoms and ease the burden on health systems.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine the effectiveness of STH in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
They followed PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol registered on Prospero (CRD42024542671) to systematically search scientific databases and grey literature for quantitative studies on STH interventions for depression and anxiety. Studies were eligible if they involved trained practitioners and adult populations with depression/anxiety and used validated scales for outcomes. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analyzed with a random effects meta-analysis.
The results showed that 17 studies were included, comprising 4 RCTs, 10 quasi-experimental studies with comparators, and 3 single-group studies. About 9 studies reported depression outcomes, 2 for anxiety, and 6 for both. Meta-analyses showed large, significant effects for depression (SMD = -1.01; P < .001) and moderate, significant effects for anxiety (SMD = -0.62; P < .001) in favor of the STH group. Significant heterogeneity and high risk of bias were observed, especially in statistical validity and outcome measure reliability.
Investigators concluded that STH interventions supported treatment for depression and anxiety. Rigorous randomized studies were needed for service scaling.
Source: frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1507354/full
