Eleven studies (n=592) were included. The study design was not reported, though by implication the studies were randomised controlled trials. Four studies were excluded because of missing information, though it was unclear what this information was.
Abstinence was more common in those treated with antidepressant medication and no reported psychosocial treatment (4 studies, n=224) compared with placebo (OR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8, 10.6, P<0.01).
Abstinence was more common in those treated with antidepressant medication in conjunction with manualised counselling (3 studies, n=155) compared with placebo (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.2, P<0.05).
There was no statistically significant difference in abstinence between those treated with antidepressant medication in conjunction with CBT (4 studies, n=213) and placebo (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9, 3.3).
There was no statistically significant heterogeneity in any of the analyses. The funnel plot was not displayed although the author described it as strongly asymmetrical, therefore indicating publication bias.