A randomized trial of short psychotherapy versus sustained‐release bupropion for smoking cessation

ABSTRACT Aims To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel psychological intervention for smoking cessation called psychodynamic model (PDM) training to an active control condition of sustained‐release bupropion. Design Randomized controlled clinical trial with allocation concealment. Setting Private psychiatric practice. Participants Seven hundred and seventy‐nine adult smokers recruited by advertising. Interventions PDM training (n = 366 participants) consisted of a very brief (1.5 days) psychoeducation and a supervised training in autosuggestion techniques (guided imageries) aimed at enhancing self‐management, decidedness, assertiveness, security and competence in relationships, natural functions of organs and awareness of bodily functions. Bupropion SR (n = 413) was increased to 150 mg twice daily over 1 week and given over a 8‐week period. Measurements Twelve‐month continuous abstinence confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) of 9 parts per million (p.p.m.) or less at all interviews conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months. Findings Intention‐to‐treat analysis revealed Russell standard 12‐month continuous abstinence rates of 39.1% in the psychotherapy group versus 12.3% in the bupropion SR group (P