Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy neurobiology in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: A domain-related resting-state networks approach.
Víctor De la Peña-arteaga, Marta Cano, Daniel Porta-Casteràs, Muriel Vicent-Gil, Neus Miquel-Giner, Ignacio Martínez-zalacaín, Lorea Mar-Barrutia, Marina López-solà, Jessica R Andrews-Hanna, Carles Soriano-Mas, Pino Alonso, Maria Serra-Blasco, Clara López-solà, Narcís Cardoner
European Neuropsychopharmacology May 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.02.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | OCD patients undergoing a 3-month MBCT programme |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Duration | 3-month programme |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Brain connectivity Mindfulness-based interventions Neurobiology Neuroimaging Obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Baseline connectivity patterns in the ventral default mode network and frontostriatal network, particularly the precuneus and frontopolar cortex, were associated with clinical domains and may serve as predictive and response biomarkers for MBCT in OCD. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) stands out as a promising augmentation psychological therapy for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To identify potential predictive and response biomarkers, this study examines the relationship between clinical domains and resting-state network connectivity in OCD patients undergoing a 3-month MBCT programme. Twelve OCD patients underwent two resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging sessions at baseline and after the MBCT programme. We assessed four clinical domains: positive affect, negative affect, anxiety sensitivity, and rumination. Independent component analysis characterised resting-state networks (RSNs), and multiple regression analyses evaluated brain-clinical associations. At baseline, distinct network connectivity patterns were found for each clinical domain: parietal-subcortical, lateral prefrontal, medial prefrontal, and frontal-occipital. Predictive and response biomarkers revealed significant brain-clinical associations within two main RSNs: the ventral default mode network (vDMN) and the frontostriatal network (FSN). Key brain nodes -the precuneus and the frontopolar cortex- were identified within these networks. MBCT may modulate vDMN and FSN connectivity in OCD patients, possibly reducing symptoms across clinical domains. Each clinical domain had a unique baseline brain connectivity pattern, suggesting potential symptom-based biomarkers. Using these RSNs as predictors could enable personalised treatments and the identification of patients who would benefit most from MBCT.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness- and acceptance-based programmes for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders March 1, 2025
- Mindfulness and Metacognitive Processes in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Neurocognitive Mechanisms and Clinical Implications IntechOpen eBooks September 24, 2026
- Clinical and Neuroimaging Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Symptomatic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patients after First-Line Treatments: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2026
Cites 11
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Impact of meditation training on the default mode network during a restful state Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience March 24, 2012
- Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews February 22, 2022
- Efficacy and fMRI-based response predictors to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Study protocol for a randomised clinical trial. Revista de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental 2023
- Mindfulness on Rumination in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health December 1, 2022
and 6 more in the library