Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A literature review
Salud Mental January 27, 2023 Carolina Eugenia Cáceres Videla, Rocío Carlota Cáceres Melillo
A systematic review of research from 2018 to 2022 found that mindfulness-based interventions, specifically Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), are associated with improvements in PTSD symptoms. MBCT participants showed significant symptom improvement, even if some had high baseline symptoms. MBSR participants with moderate to severe trauma symptoms experienced greater symptom reduction, while those with mild symptoms showed slightly higher symptomatology after treatment. The two approaches appear to target different aspects of PTSD: MBSR improves attentional difficulties, while MBCT addresses dysfunctional cognitive concepts and avoidant behaviors. However, the active components responsible for symptom reduction remain unknown.