A bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping of cognitive behavioral therapy research in depression over 20 years

Medicine (Baltimore). 2026 May 29;105(22):e48780. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000048780.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression negatively affects well-being, leading to lower life satisfaction, impaired social and psychological functioning, and greater disability. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven effective across various levels and populations of depression. This study employs bibliometric analysis to clarify research trends, summarize historical and current directions, and predict future trends, aiding researchers and policymakers in effectively prioritizing research resources.

METHODS: To identify publications related to depression and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), we performed a computerized search of the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analyses were conducted on multiple dimensions – including authors, journals, institutions, countries/regions, keywords, and references – using Excel 365, CiteSpace, Pajek, and VOSviewer.

RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2024, 6384 publications were analyzed. Publication trends showed a gradual rise, peaking at 494 publications in 2020, and subsequently experiencing a slow decline. Citations in this field demonstrated annual growth, reaching a peak of 33,882 citations in 2021, followed by a subsequent decline. The United States and the United Kingdom emerged as the leading countries in this research area, ranking highest in both publication output and citation counts. They host institutions that contribute significantly to publications and citations. Notable authors in this area include Gerhard Andersson, Pim Cuijpers, Per Carlbring, and Steven D. Hollon. Key journals publishing research in this area include the Journal of Affective Disorders, Behavior Research and Therapy, Mindfulness, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, and Psychological Medicine. Common keywords within this field are depression, followed by cognitive therapy, anxiety, psychotherapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, meta-analysis, mindfulness, randomized controlled-trial, symptoms, major depression, cognitive-behavioral therapy, efficacy, validation, cognitive behavior therapy, prevention, disorders, prevalence, psychometric properties, quality-of-life, and scale. These keywords indicate a sustained interest among researchers in cognitive interventions, treatment efficacy, preventive measures, and quality of life assessments. Furthermore, these research hotspots indicate that the psychometric properties and validation of treatments for depression are significant directions for future studies.

CONCLUSIONS: This study employs bibliometric analysis to map research trends in CBT for depression, highlighting emerging trends and providing insights for researchers. It underscores CBT’s efficacy, adaptations, and integration with other therapies, emphasizing the need for continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

PMID:42216329 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000048780