A systematic review and meta-analysis of acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for DSM-5 anxiety disorders
Scientific Reports October 14, 2021 H. Haller, Pascal Breilmann, Marleen Schröter et al.
A meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials with 1,815 adults diagnosed with DSM-5 anxiety disorders found that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction produce short-term reductions in anxiety when added to treatment as usual, compared to treatment as usual alone. Compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACT and MBCT showed comparable effects on anxiety, while MBSR showed significantly lower effects. Effects at 6- and 12-month follow-ups were not significantly different from treatment as usual or CBT. Effects on depression and quality of life followed similar trends. Whether these interventions have specific effects beyond placebo remains unclear.