Internet-based Brief Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy as an Adjunct to Standard Care After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

An internet-based brief mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (B-MBCT) program added to usual care reduced depression, anxiety, stress, and illness perception, and improved mindfulness skills and quality of life more than usual care alone in 18 adults who had recently had a heart attack and had mild to moderate depressive symptoms. The intervention consisted of 8 weekly online sessions. Effect sizes were large across outcomes. The authors conclude the approach appears feasible and promising, but larger trials are needed to confirm the results.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background Psychological distress, maladaptive illness perceptions, and reduced quality of life are common following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and may negatively influence recovery and treatment adherence. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has demonstrated benefits for emotional regulation; however, evidence for internet-based brief MBCT (B-MBCT) interventions in post-AMI populations remains limited. The present study examined the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of an internet-based B-MBCT intervention in improving psychological outcomes following AMI. Methods This pilot randomized controlled trial included 18 medically stable post-AMI participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Participants were randomly allocated to an internet-based B-MBCT plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) group or a TAU-only group. The intervention consisted of 8 weekly online sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15, and MacNew Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results Compared with TAU, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and illness perception, along with significant improvements in mindfulness skills and quality of life ( P < .05). Effect sizes were large across outcomes ( η ² = 0.59-0.94). Conclusion Internet-based B-MBCT appears feasible and shows promising preliminary effectiveness for improving psychological outcomes following AMI. Larger randomized trials are required to confirm these findings.