Internet-based Brief Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy as an Adjunct to Standard Care After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
S. D. Kashyap, Shweta Singh, Rishi Sethi, Vivek Agarwal
Indian Journal of Clinical Cardiology May 31, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/26324636261448352 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Medically stable post-AMI participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Randomized controlled trial Psychological intervention Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Intervention counseling Depression economics Physical therapy Adjunct Cognitive reappraisal Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognition Clinical psychology Clinical trial Pilot trial |
| Key findings | Internet-based B-MBCT plus treatment-as-usual led to significantly greater reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and illness perception, and greater improvements in mindfulness skills and quality of life compared with treatment-as-usual alone. |
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.