Mindfulness-induced modulation of resting-state networks functional connectivity in depressed adults: A systematic review
Emilio Durán, Manuel Vázquez-Frutos, Elisa Alcocer, Francisco M. Ocaña
Research Square October 24, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7931877/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized |
|---|---|
| Population | Depressed adults aged 18-67 years |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Across 13 studies, mindfulness-based interventions were associated with decreased intra-network functional connectivity in the Default Mode Network and reduced inter-network connectivity between the Default Mode Network and Frontoparietal Network, and between the Salience Network and Frontoparietal Network, with these changes linked to symptom improvement. The authors conclude these findings support a potential mechanism through which mindfulness-based interventions alleviate depressive symptoms, while noting substantial heterogeneity across studies. |
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: Depression is linked to abnormalities in resting-state networks (RSNs) such as the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Frontoparietal Network (FPN). Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective for treating depression, but their impact on functional connectivity (FC) within and between RSNs remains unclear. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on how MBIs modulate RSN connectivity in depressed adults.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review research fMRI studies on MBI-induced changes in RSNs in depressed adults (18–67 years), using three databases up to September 2024. Both randomized (RCT) and non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCT) were considered. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB and ROBINS-I tools.
Results: Search resulted in 364 articles, and after removing duplicates, 239 underwent screening checking. Nineteen studies underwent text assessment for elegibility, with 13 articles meeting inclusion criteria, including ten RCT, and three non-RCT. MBIs modulated RSN connectivity, with decreased intra-FC in the DMN and reduced inter-FC between DMN-FPN and SN-FPN. These changes were associated with symptom improvement.
Conclusions: Despite heterogeneity across studies regarding study designs, sample sizes, populations, and methodological approaches to analyzed FC, findings support a potential mechanism through which MBIs alleviate depressive symptoms by altering RSN connectivity. This reinforces the value of the Triple Network Model as a theoretical framework for understanding depression and highlights the potential for neural biomarkers in future interventions.
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
Cites 25
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Default Mode Network Activity and Connectivity in Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology March 29, 2012
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
and 20 more in the library