Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in the Treatment of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of Interventional Studies
Zac N. M. Forbes, Kim S. Miller
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders August 29, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s40489-023-00398-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 245 |
| Population | Adults with autism spectrum disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Across six interventional studies of 245 adults with autism spectrum disorder, the authors report that mindfulness-based stress reduction was effective for autism symptoms, quality of life, and anxiety and depression symptoms, with certainty of evidence rated low for most outcomes and moderate for depression. They conclude MBSR shows promise for this population. |
Abstract
Abstract Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a lower quality of life (QoL) than neurotypical adults and a higher risk of psychiatric comorbidities. We reviewed the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in the treatment of adults with ASD. Data were collected from 6 eligible interventional studies (4 adequate quality, 2 weak quality; 245 total participants). The study quality and certainty of findings were assessed using Evaluative Method for Determining Evidence-Based Practices in Autism and GRADE framework. MBSR was effective in all outcomes: ASD symptoms (n = 4, low certainty), QoL (n = 5, low certainty), symptoms of anxiety and depression (n = 4, low and moderate certainty, respectively). MBSR shows promise for improving QoL, reducing ASD symptoms and alleviating psychiatric comorbidities in adults with ASD.
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 5
- Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials Annals of Palliative Medicine July 1, 2021
- Brief Report: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Individual Mindfulness Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2018
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression Psychiatric Clinics of North America September 18, 2017
- Cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness based stress reduction may be equally effective in reducing anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities May 2017
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for improving health, quality of life and social functioning in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis 2017