A randomized trial of telehealth mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy groups for adolescents with mood or attenuated psychosis symptoms.
Marc J. Weintraub, Danielle Denenny, Megan Ichinose, Jamie Zinberg, Georga Morgan-Fleming, Monica Done, Robin D Brown, Carrie E. Bearden, David J. Miklowitz
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology April 2023 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000782 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 66 |
| Population | Adolescents aged 13-17 with a mood disorder or attenuated psychosis symptoms |
| Duration | Nine sessions over 2 months, with assessments at posttreatment and 3 months posttreatment (5-month period) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Both group CBT and group MBCT were associated with comparable improvements in mood, anxiety, attenuated psychosis symptoms, and psychosocial functioning over five months. CBT was associated with greater improvements in emotion regulation and well-being during the posttreatment period, while MBCT was associated with greater improvements in social functioning among adolescents with greater childhood adversity. |
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) improve symptoms and functioning in adults with mood and psychotic disorders. There has been little work directly comparing these treatments among adolescents with early-onset mood or psychosis symptoms. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing remotely administered group CBT to group MBCT for adolescents (ages 13-17) with a mood disorder or attenuated psychosis symptoms. Adolescents attended nine sessions over 2 months; their parents attended parallel groups focused on the same skill practices. Participants were assessed for psychiatric symptoms and functioning at posttreatment and 3 months posttreatment. Sixty-six youth (Mage = 15.1 years, SD = 1.4; 44 females [66.7%]) initiated the trial (32 in CBT and 34 in MBCT), with 54 retained at posttreatment and 53 at the 3-month follow-up. The treatments were associated with comparable improvements in adolescents' mood, anxiety, attenuated psychosis symptoms, and psychosocial functioning over 5 months. CBT was associated with greater improvements than MBCT in emotion regulation and well-being during the posttreatment period. MBCT (compared to CBT) was associated with greater improvements in social functioning among adolescents with greater childhood adversity. Both treatments had comparable rates of retention, but youth and parents reported more satisfaction with CBT than MBCT. The beneficial effect of both treatments in a group telehealth format is encouraging. Due to our limited sample, future research should investigate whether adolescents' history of adversity and treatment preferences replicate as treatment moderators for youth with mood or psychosis symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Mindfulness in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pediatric Reports May 14, 2025
- The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on emotion regulation/dysregulation in people with mental health conditions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis JCPP Advances February 12, 2026
- Perceived changes in the self following an MBCT protocol: a qualitative study to inform further theory development Mental Health and Social Inclusion December 14, 2026
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on metacognition, depression, and self-concept of children with anxiety disorders Quarterly Journal of Child Mental Health July 1, 2025