A randomized trial of short psychotherapy versus sustained-release bupropion for smoking cessation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel psychological intervention for smoking cessation called psychodynamic model (PDM) training to an active control condition of sustained-release bupropion.


METHODS
Randomized controlled clinical trial with allocation concealment.


METHODS
Private psychiatric practice.


METHODS
Seven hundred and seventy-nine adult smokers recruited by advertising.


METHODS
PDM training (n = 366 participants) consisted of a very brief (1.5 days) psychoeducation and a supervised training in autosuggestion techniques (guided imageries) aimed at enhancing self-management, decidedness, assertiveness, security and competence in relationships, natural functions of organs and awareness of bodily functions. Bupropion SR (n = 413) was increased to 150 mg twice daily over 1 week and given over a 8-week period.


METHODS
Twelve-month continuous abstinence confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) of 9 parts per million (p.p.m.) or less at all interviews conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
Intention-to-treat analysis revealed Russell standard 12-month continuous abstinence rates of 39.1% in the psychotherapy group versus 12.3% in the bupropion SR group (P < 0.001) with a relative benefit (RB) of 3.16 (2.38-4.26). Completer analysis revealed 12-month continuous abstinence rates of 39.9% in the psychotherapy group versus 22.5% in the bupropion group [P < 0.001; RB 1.78 (1.35-2.34)]. Of note, bupropion abstinence rates were comparable to previous medications/placebo-only comparisons in geographically different samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1.5-day psychotherapy exceeded bupropion's efficacy, presenting an alternative to pharmacological smoking cessation aids, especially for smokers who reject drugs to treat their substance dependence, at a similar cost (Euro 350) as the bupropion treatment (Euro 355).
Zernig
Gerald
G
Experimental Psychiatry Unit, Department of General Psychiatry and Social Psychiatry, Centre of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 66 a 1.Stock, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. gerald.zernig@i-med.ac.at
Wallner
Reinhild
R
Grohs
Ursula
U
Kriechbaum
Norbert
N
Kemmler
Georg
G
Saria
Alois
A
D000328:Adult; D016642:Bupropion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012907:Smoking / Q000628:therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016642:Bupropion