Effect of Qi-based mindfulness therapy for mild-to-moderate depression.
Qiong-Wei Li, Yan Yang, Xue-Jiao Gao, Alexander Ma, Wei Sun
World Journal of Psychiatry April 19, 2025 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i4.104450 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Self-controlled before-after trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Adults aged 18-65 years with mild-to-moderate depression |
| Intervention | Qi-based mindfulness therapy (QMT) |
| Duration | 4-week intervention, 4-week follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Anxiety rating scale Depression rating scale Insomnia Qi-based mindfulness therapy |
| Key findings | Qi-based mindfulness therapy for 4 weeks significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate depression. |
Abstract
Depression is a disorder characterized by significant and persistent depressed mood, cognitive impairment, impaired voluntary activity, working memory, and somatic symptoms. To determine the efficacy of Qi-based mindfulness therapy (QMT) in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in individuals with mild-to-moderate depression. A self-controlled before-after trial was conducted. The study invited online participants for recruitment between May and July 2023. Participants (n = 18) aged 18-65 years with mild-to-moderate depression, who were receiving QMT training for 4 weeks, were included. The primary efficacy indicators were the 17 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores. The secondary outcome indicators included the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, the self-rating Anxiety Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted. The patients' symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and insomnia were reassessed 4 weeks after the post-intervention evaluation. Patients who underwent the QMT intervention for 4 weeks exhibited a statistically significant reduction in scores on the 17 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index relative to their pre-intervention scores (all P < 0.05). QMT training for 4 weeks is an effective nonpharmacological treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among patients with mild-to-moderate depression.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 13
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- Low-intensity mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry March 7, 2024
and 8 more in the library