The effects of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral group program for patients with intractable disease and high depression.
Intractable & rare diseases research August 31, 2025 Yukihiko Ueda
A monthly three-session Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Group Program (MCBGP), each session lasting 120 minutes and including psychoeducation, self-disclosure, and mindfulness meditation, was tested in 35 adults with intractable diseases. Participants were split into high- and low-depression groups based on a POMS depression cutoff score of 60. In the high-depression group (n = 11), the program significantly reduced health distress, activity limitations, depression, anxiety/tension, anger/irritability, fatigue, and confusion, and improved total quality-of-life scores. No significant improvements were seen in the low-depression group (n = 24). The authors conclude MCBGP improves mental health and quality of life in patients with intractable diseases and comorbid depression.