Mindfulness groups for distressing voices and paranoia: a replication and randomized feasibility trial.
Paul Chadwick, Stephanie Hughes, Daphne Russell, Ian Russell, Dave Dagnan
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy July 1, 2009 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465809990166 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractGroup-based mindfulness therapy for people with current distressing psychotic experiences is feasible to evaluate in a randomized trial, but the primary analysis found no significant differences between those who received the therapy and those on a waiting list. Secondary analyses combining both groups showed significant improvement in clinical functioning and mindfulness of distressing thoughts and images after training, but not for voices. The study included 22 participants randomly assigned to twice-weekly mindfulness sessions for 5 weeks plus home practice, followed by 5 weeks of home practice, or to a waiting list.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 22 |
| Population | People with current distressing psychotic experiences |
| Duration | 5-week intervention plus 5-week home practice |
| Key finding | No significant differences were found between mindfulness therapy and waiting list groups, but secondary analyses showed significant improvement in clinical functioning and mindfulness of distressing thoughts and images. |
Abstract
The clinical literature cautions against use of meditation by people with psychosis. There is, however, evidence for acceptance-based therapy reducing relapse, and some evidence for clinical benefits of mindfulness groups for people with distressing psychosis, though no data on whether participants became more mindful. To assess feasibility of randomized evaluation of group mindfulness therapy for psychosis, to replicate clinical gains observed in one small uncontrolled study, and to assess for changes in mindfulness. Twenty-two participants with current distressing psychotic experiences were allocated at random between group-based mindfulness training and a waiting list for this therapy. Mindfulness training comprised twice-weekly sessions for 5 weeks, plus home practice (meditation CDs were supplied), followed by 5 weeks of home practice. There were no significant differences between intervention and waiting-list participants. Secondary analyses combining both groups and comparing scores before and after mindfulness training revealed significant improvement in clinical functioning (p = .013) and mindfulness of distressing thoughts and images (p = .037). Findings on feasibility are encouraging and secondary analyses replicated earlier clinical benefits and showed improved mindfulness of thoughts and images, but not voices.