Table 1.
(Categories of) exclusion criteria found in psychotherapy efficacy trials
| Categorical exclusion criterion | Subtypes of exclusion criteria included in Category* | Proportion of trials using the criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Bipolar disorder or history of (hypo-) manic episode |
|
95% |
| Schizophrenia, a history of psychosis or psychotic features |
|
90% |
| Current or past abuse or dependence on alcohol and/or drugs |
- Alcohol abuse or dependence |
85% |
| |
- Drug abuse or dependence |
|
| Not meeting a minimum severity threshold |
|
80% |
| Previous use of medication or ECT |
- ECT less than 6 months before start of trial |
70% |
| |
- History of use of a tricyclic antidepressant |
|
| |
- Use of amitriptyline less than 3 months prior to trial |
|
| |
- Use of imipramine less than 3 months prior to trial |
|
| |
- Use of paroxetine less than 1 year prior to trial |
|
| |
- Use of any antidepressant less than 2 months prior to trial |
|
| |
- Use of any antidepressant less than 1 month prior to trial |
|
| |
- Use of any antidepressant less than 2 weeks prior to trial |
|
| |
- Current use of an antidepressant |
|
| Co morbid personality disorder |
- Borderline personality disorder |
60% |
| |
- Antisocial personality disorder |
|
| |
- Schizotypical personality disorder |
|
| Cognitive disorders |
- Cognitive disorders in general |
55 |
| |
- Organic brain syndrome |
|
| |
- Delirium or dementia |
|
| |
- Mental retardation |
|
| Somatic concerns |
- Somatic co morbidity in general |
55% |
| |
- Co morbid somatisation disorder |
|
| Anxiety disorder as primary diagnosis |
- Generalized anxiety disorder |
45% |
| |
- Specific phobia |
|
| |
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder |
|
| |
- Panic disorder |
|
| Contra indication for the use of medication in general |
|
45% |
| Suicidal ideation |
|
40% |
| Previous psychotherapy, with or without success |
History of psychotherapy |
|
| |
- Psychotherapy less than 5 years prior to trial |
|
| |
- Psychotherapy less than 2 years prior to trial |
|
| |
- Psychotherapy less than 1 year prior to trial |
|
| |
- Psychotherapy less than 2 months prior to trial |
|
| |
- Current psychotherapy |
|
| Psychiatric co morbidity in general, including eating disorders |
|
25% |
| Crisis |
- Need for immediate intervention |
20% |
| - Indication for admission |
*If no subtypes are mentioned, the categorical exclusion criterion was reported in the same way in all trials.