Effectiveness of psychotherapy in improving medication adherence for hypertension and diabetes mellitus among displaced Myanmar patients in Thailand: A randomized control trial

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (paper of the day, 24 July 2026).
• Picked for Internal Medicine (paper of the day, 24 July 2026): Psychotherapy for displaced Myanmar patients

Abstract

Displaced persons with non-communicable diseases (NCD) face challenges in disease management and increased risk of mental health problems. This randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of psychotherapy treatment (Common Elements Treatment Approach [CETA]) on hypertension and diabetes mellitus medication adherence (primary) and mental and physical health outcomes (secondary) among displaced Myanmar adults with poor medication adherence in a Thai shelter community. Treatment participants received weekly CETA for 4-12 weeks; comparison participants had access to routine psychosocial support. Eligible participants were chronic disease patients with <70% medication adherence over prior month. Data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Of 650 adults screened, 283 (43.5%) met eligibility criteria and 224 consented (CETA n = 112, comparison n = 112) to participate; 73 (32.6%) reported elevated mental health symptoms. At 6-month follow-up, medication adherence improved in both arms, with greater improvements among CETA participants (MARS-5: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.07 to 1.02, p = 0.023). CETA significantly reduced mental health symptoms among those with elevated symptoms at baseline (-3.06, 95% CI: -5.19 to -0.93, p = 0.005). The high rate of mental health symptoms and the impact of CETA on NCD medication adherence supports integration of mental health services into NCD care systems.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.