Annals of Palliative Medicine
July 1, 2021
Jingjing Li, Zhu Cai, Xiaoming Li et al.
58 citations
Mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy are similarly effective for reducing anxiety, depression, and improving sleep quality. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found no significant difference between the two approaches on these outcomes after treatment. Subgroup analyses suggested that mindfulness-based interventions may offer a small advantage for general anxiety symptoms, while CBT showed a small advantage for social anxiety measured by specific scales. Mindfulness-based stress reduction also showed a slight benefit compared to other mindfulness types. The findings indicate that mindfulness-based interventions can serve as an alternative to CBT for treating anxiety symptoms.
PLOS digital health
April 1, 2025
Abhishek Aggarwal, Shan Qiao, Chih-Hsiang Yang et al.
1 citation
A digitally delivered mindful-walking intervention for COVID-19 long haulers showed high feasibility and preliminary benefits. Twenty-three participants recruited from Facebook groups completed a four-week program with two mindfulness practice sessions per week. On days they engaged in mindful walking, participants reported more positive affect, less negative affect, higher perceived cognitive ability, and more physical activity. Those who practiced more consistently also reported higher momentary mindfulness. Participants expressed satisfaction and noted better symptom management and overall wellbeing. The small sample limits generalizability, and larger randomized trials are needed.
Journal of Affective Disorders
September 1, 2022
Bing Zhang, Wenxian Fu, Yan Guo et al.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (479 participants) found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduced suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms more than treatment as usual in patients with current depression. The effect on suicidal ideation was modest (standard mean difference -0.33) and on depression was larger (-0.96). The authors conclude MBCT is an effective intervention for reducing both outcomes in depressed patients.
Psychiatry Research
April 20, 2021
Xiaoyu Liu, Peng Yi, Lijun Ma et al.
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show no overall advantage over control conditions for social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms in randomized controlled trials, with a between-group effect size of zero. However, within groups, there is a large pre-post improvement. MBIs outperform no treatment, are comparable to other active treatments, but are less effective than evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. MBIs also reduce depressive symptoms and improve mindfulness, quality of life, and self-compassion. Longer MBI duration is associated with greater symptom relief, and benefits persist for up to 12 months. Single-arm trials show a medium effect. Larger randomized trials are needed.
Psychiatry Research
May 25, 2020
Rongrong Xuan, Xiaoming Li, Yuxi Qiao et al.
A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with bipolar disorder immediately after treatment, with small-to-moderate effects. Stress also decreased, while mindfulness ability and emotional regulation improved. Manic symptoms were not alleviated. Benefits for depression and anxiety persisted at 3 months but were no longer detectable at 12 months. Controlled trials showed a small reduction in depressive symptoms but not anxiety. The authors conclude MBCT appears effective for depression and anxiety in bipolar disorder, though effects are time-limited and inconsistent, highlighting the need for larger studies and maintenance programs.