Comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on depression and anxiety in aging populations: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for depression and anxiety in older adults aged ≥55 years.
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Eighty-three randomized controlled trials involving 6,646 participants were included, assessing 11 different non-pharmacological interventions.
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Dance was found to be the most effective intervention for depression, while music and Tai Chi ranked highest for anxiety in older adults.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and internet-based CBT (ICBT) showed moderate efficacy, while mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) had limited effectiveness.
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The study recommends a personalized, stepped-care approach to mental health management, considering the heterogeneity of intervention efficacy.

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