Mindfulness-based interventions for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review of the literature.
Michel Sabé, Raoul Kohler, Natacha Perez, Mathilde Sauvain-Sabé, Othman Sentissi, Françoise Jermann, Paco Prada, Nader Perroud, Kerem Böge
Schizophrenia Research February 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.12.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,500 |
| Population | Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mbis Mind-body Schizophrenia |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions varied widely in structure but showed potential benefits including reduced negative symptoms, increased well-being, and decreased hospitalization rates in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as secular practices, including elements of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). While MBIs have been widely adopted for physical and mental illness, only a few available programs are explicitly adapted for psychosis. However, previous reviews have reported the vital heterogeneity regarding treatment program structure. Therefore, this review aims to compare the structure of different mindfulness protocols applied to patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). A systematic search was conducted up to March 2023 in PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo. Following our protocol (CRD 42023253356), we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. We included 22 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1500 patients SSD. All programs varied in structure, session components, duration, and instructor experience. While MBSR-like programs focused on stress reactivity, MBCT-like programs addressed primary symptoms of psychosis and relapse prevention. Despite the heterogeneity of programs, some common mechanisms emerged, including attention training, emotion and stress regulation, decentering, self-compassion, and cognitive restructuring. The critical heterogeneity found limits the interpretation of results. However, most recent trials present fewer risks of bias and more homogenous programs. Findings suggested potential benefits, such as reduced negative symptoms, increased well-being, and decreased hospitalization rates. For future studies, authors should align on more congruent MBIs programs for patients with SSD. Further research is needed to identify optimal mindfulness teaching approaches for patients with psychosis and investigate specific mechanisms of action, relevant processes, and optimal doses in varying settings.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychotic symptoms and psychological outcomes in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research December 1, 2024
- Effects of mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic meta-review. Schizophrenia Research July 1, 2025
- The relationship between mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and symptom severity in persons with schizophrenia-spectrum-disorders: a cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports June 4, 2025
- Yoga-Based Group Intervention for Inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders-Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Rater-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Schizophrenia Bulletin November 16, 2024
- Synergistic modulation of gut microbiota and mindfulness-based interventions in schizophrenia: Integrating neurotransmitter regulation and multimodal therapeutic strategies Quality in Sport May 12, 2025
and 8 more in the library
Cites 23
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- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life: Is Increased Mindfulness Indeed the Mechanism? Annals of Behavioral Medicine June 1, 2008
- Mindfulness-induced selflessness: a MEG neurophenomenological study. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2013
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: Further issues in current evidence and future research. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology June 1, 2008
- An international multi-site, randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation group programme for people with schizophrenia Psychological Medicine April 4, 2017
and 18 more in the library