Neurophysiological and therapeutic efficacy of somatic psychotherapies in addiction: primary behavioral focus with exploratory cross-addiction analyses.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis examined somatic and body-oriented psychotherapies—including yoga, mindfulness, and somatic interventions—for gambling, gaming, or compulsive sexual behavior. It included nine randomized controlled trials with 573 participants. The pooled effect indicated symptom reduction (Hedges’ g = -2.62, 95% CI [-4.73, -0.51], p = .015), but heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 95.6%). The direction of effect persisted in sensitivity analyses, and no serious adverse events were reported. The authors describe the findings as short-term and propose these approaches as adjuncts, while calling for further trials.

Key findings

• Across nine randomized trials (N = 573), the pooled effect was g = -2.62, 95% CI [-4.73, -0.51], p = .015.
• Heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 95.6%), although the direction of effect persisted in sensitivity analyses.
• No serious adverse events were reported.

Why it matters

The synthesis suggests that body-oriented approaches may reduce symptoms across several behavioral addictions and could complement existing care. However, the marked variation among trial results makes the pooled estimate uncertain as a guide to expected benefit. The proposed autonomic and interoceptive mechanisms remain preliminary, underscoring the need to assess mechanisms and durability rather than infer them from symptom outcomes alone.

What to keep in mind

The evidence base comprised nine trials, with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.6%). The authors characterize the symptom reduction as short-term and call for longer follow-up and trials that isolate active components.