Long-COVID is a post-viral syndrome affecting multiple body systems, including neuropsychiatric symptoms, for which validated treatments are lacking. A six-week virtual mindfulness-based group therapy program was offered to long-COVID patients through a hospital's Post-COVID Resilience Program. Pre- and post-program questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression showed no significant improvement in symptoms. The study was limited by a small sample size, and further research with larger groups is needed to determine whether such interventions can benefit mental health in this population.
This review examines the state of research on mindfulness-based stress reduction and transcendental meditation. Although many studies have methodological problems, consistent evidence indicates that meditation can alter the nervous system and physiology and improve psychological well-being. Evidence for treating specific clinical diseases is mixed and preliminary, so strong recommendations cannot be made. More research is needed, and the evidence supporting mindfulness-based stress reduction is stronger than that for transcendental meditation.