PROLONGED HOSPITALIZATION AND MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS: CONTRIBUTIONS OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Abstract

Prolonged hospitalisation may have triggered psychological, emotional, and cognitive impacts associated with disruption of routine, loss of autonomy, and coping with illness. In this context, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was analysed as an approach with potential contributions to the management of mental health disorders in hospitalised patients. The present study aimed to discuss the contributions of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy to the management of mental health disorders associated with hospitalisation. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO and BVS-Saúde databases, using descriptors related to Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, hospitalisation, length of stay, and mental health, combined using Boolean operators. Articles published between 2016 and 2026, available in full text and in Portuguese or English, were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were selected for analysis. The results suggested that CBT-based interventions, in different modalities, including individual, group, multicomponent approaches and derived cognitive strategies, were associated with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as possible improvements in cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning. Indications of reduced aggressive behaviour, improved psychological adaptation, and strengthened coping strategies in the hospital care context were also observed. It was concluded that Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy may contribute to the management of mental health disorders associated with hospitalisation, promoting quality of life, functional recovery, and mental health care. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of the included studies and their methodological limitations.