Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Depression and Anxiety in Late Life: A Meta-Analysis.
Junrong Ye, Yuanxin Pan, Chenxin Wu, Zhanhua Hu, Shengwei Wu, Wen Wang, Jianxiong Guo, Aixiang Xiao
Alpha psychiatry 2024 DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.231379 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Older adults with depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Late-life depression Older adults |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly reduces depressive symptoms and anxiety in older adults. |
Abstract
This study aims to assess the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in alleviating depression in older adults. A comprehensive search was conducted in 4 electronic databases and 1 registered database from inception up to July 2021 to identify relevant trials. The meta-analysis employed Hedge's g, along with its 95% CI, and associated z and P-values for the included studies, utilizing Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Qualitative synthesis was performed on 5 eligible studies. Evaluation of methodological quality and bias risk across the papers involved scrutiny of key variables due to the heterogeneous research formats. Our findings indicated a significant moderating effect of MBCT against current depressive symptoms in older adults (g = 0.53, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = 0.31-0.75) and a similar effect size for anxiety (g = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20-0.65). However, caution is warranted due to the limited number of studies and potential publication bias. Further extensive research with longer follow-up measures and larger sample sizes is essential. This study underscores the effectiveness of MBCT as a treatment for anxiety and despair in older individuals. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy should be recommended for its positive impact on older adults with depression, and the involvement of authorized psychiatric nurses is crucial for conducting successful MBCT interventions. However, caution is warranted due to the limited number of studies and potential publication bias. Further extensive research with longer follow-up measures and larger sample sizes is essential.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies February 26, 2025
- Peer-supported mindfulness-based intervention for managing depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials June 20, 2025
- Hypnosis and mindfulness audio recordings for reducing fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled study. Multiple Sclerosis Journal June 1, 2025
- Effects of an Age-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Program on Psychological Well-Being, Mindfulness, and Sleep Quality in Older Adults Clinical Gerontologist June 5, 2026
- Mindfulness and Resilience Intersection of Psychology, Esotericism, and Cultural Development July 16, 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 10
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Regulates Brain Connectivity in Patients With Late-Life Depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022
- Continuation Sessions of Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT‐C) vs. Treatment as Usual in Late‐Life Depression and Anxiety: An Open‐Label Extension Study International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry June 11, 2020
- Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for patients with chronic, treatment‐resistant depression: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial Depression and Anxiety August 8, 2018
- 'I had a sort of epiphany!' An exploratory study of group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for older people with depression. Aging & Mental Health February 2018
- A meta-analysis of third wave mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapies for older people. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry December 2017
and 5 more in the library