A 4-week internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (i-MBCT) reduced symptoms of COVID-19-related adjustment disorder more than progressive muscle relaxation or a waiting list. Among 438 adults diagnosed with adjustment disorder who were randomly assigned to i-MBCT, i-PMR, or a waiting list, only i-MBCT produced a significant drop in adjustment disorder symptoms. Both i-MBCT and i-PMR lessened depression and anxiety, but i-MBCT yielded the largest improvements. The authors describe these results as preliminary and call for further research.
A single guided mindfulness meditation session in people with no prior meditation experience produces brain activity patterns that differ from those seen in experienced meditators. In 16 healthy novices, electroencephalogram recordings showed that information flow between brain regions decreased in the theta and alpha frequency ranges during meditation compared with a passive listening control condition. Alpha power also decreased across the scalp. These changes may reflect heightened alertness or vigilance during the task rather than the relaxed, focused state typical of meditation. The findings suggest that the neural signatures of first-time meditation are distinct from those observed in long-term practitioners.
Brief mindfulness training reduced overall reaction times on an attention-switching task after anxiety was induced, compared with worry induction or free mind-wandering. However, mindfulness did not specifically reduce the cost of switching between tasks. The findings suggest that mindfulness may free up attentional resources otherwise consumed by anxiety-related thoughts, improving general cognitive efficiency rather than switching ability per se.