I-mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (i-MBCT) in the treatment of COVID-19 related adjustment disorder. a RCT study with active control group
European Psychiatry April 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.291 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 438 |
| Population | Individuals with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder related to COVID-19 |
| Duration | 4-week intervention, 1-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly reduced symptoms of COVID-19-related adjustment disorder, while progressive muscle relaxation and a waiting list did not. |
Abstract
Introduction: Adjustment disorder (AD) is described as a maladaptive reaction to an identifiable psychosocial stressor/s that usually emerges within a month after the onset of the stressor. With all uncertainty, fears and disorientation, it’s no surprise that many people have developed an AD linked to the sudden changes brought about by COVID-19, such as threat to life, imposed restrictions, and the associated changes. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been found to be effective for depression and anxiety problems, little is known, however, about its efficacy for adjustment disorder.
Objectives: The aim of the current research was to evaluate if 4 weeks long, modified internet-delivered MBCT can reduce symptoms of Covid-19 related AD.
Methods: 438 individuals with a diagnosis of AD were recruited to take part in the study. They were randomly assigned to i-MBCT, i-progressive muscle relaxation training (i-PMR), and Waiting List (WL). Assessments with questionnaires evaluating AD (ADMN-20), depression (PHQ-9, HADS-D), and anxiety (HADS-A, GAD-7) were filled at baseline, 4-week, and 1-month post-randomization. 142 individuals completed baseline and 4 week assessment (i-MBCT, n= 34; i-PMR, n= 36 and WL, n=72).
Results: We found a significant reduction in AD symptoms following the i-MBCT group, whereas no change was found in both control conditions. While a decrease in depressive and anxiety was found in both i-MBCT and i-PMR groups, the greatest reduction has been observed in i-MBCT.
Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that i-MBCT can be an effective intervention in treating Covid-19 related AD, but more studies are needed. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |