Psychosocial Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Depression in CABG Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with substantial psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which can impair postoperative recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in reducing anxiety and depression in patients undergoing CABG. Materials and Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 statement and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251022254). Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 1 January 2015 and June 2025. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Hedges’ g was pooled using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model, with one independent estimate per trial and outcome. Results: Six reports of five RCTs (947 unique participants) met the inclusion criteria; two reports described the same trial (PSY-HEART). Interventions included psychoeducation, web-based support, and multicomponent rehabilitation. In the meta-analysis of four trials, psychosocial interventions produced a small reduction in anxiety (g = −0.30, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.10, p = 0.003; I2 = 37%), although this finding was not robust in all sensitivity analyses. For depression, only two trials could be pooled, and the effect was small and not statistically significant (g = −0.29, 95% CI −0.60 to 0.01, p = 0.061; I2 = 50%). Conclusions: Psychosocial interventions may produce a small reduction in anxiety in patients undergoing CABG, although this finding is based on four trials and should be interpreted with caution. The evidence for depression is inconclusive. Larger, well-reported trials are needed before firm recommendations can be made; in the meantime, structured psychosocial care, in which nurses can play a central role, is a reasonable component of perioperative care and cardiac rehabilitation.