Depression is common in younger breast cancer patients and worsens outcomes. A randomized trial tested whether a mindfulness-based program (Mindful Awareness Practices, MAPs) or a psychoeducation program (Survivorship Education, SE) reduced depressive symptoms through specific psychological changes. Women under 50 with stage 0-III breast cancer were assigned to MAPs, SE, or a wait-list control. Both programs reduced depressive symptoms right after the 6-week intervention; only MAPs showed lasting reductions at 6 months. For MAPs, the effect was mediated by less rumination and fewer intrusive thoughts about cancer, plus greater self-kindness and a sense of meaning and peace. Worry mediated MAPs' effects only at postintervention. SE worked through reduced worry and intrusive thoughts at different time points. The findings clarify how mindfulness helps reduce depression in this group.
A six-week virtual mindfulness program for women with Long COVID-related dysautonomia did not improve objective measures of autonomic function or most self-reported symptoms, but it did reduce insomnia severity and decreased pro-inflammatory gene expression. Twenty women aged 21-52 years participated. Insomnia scores dropped significantly after the program but returned toward baseline by four weeks. No improvements were seen in autonomic symptoms, anxiety, perceived stress, depression, well-being, or COVID-related distress. Pro-inflammatory conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) gene expression decreased from before to after the program, especially among those with more prior COVID-19 infections. The findings suggest mindfulness may improve sleep and reduce inflammatory biology, but overall symptom burden remained high.