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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. group psychoeducation for people with generalised anxiety disorder: randomised controlled trial.

Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Benjamin Hon Kei Yip, Winnie Wing Sze Mak, Stewart W Mercer, Eliza Yee Lai Cheung, Candy Yuet Man Ling, Wacy Wai Sze Lui, Wai Kwong Tang, Herman Hay Ming Lo, Justin Che Yuen Wu, Tatia Mei-Chun Lee, Ting Gao, Sian M Griffiths, Peter Hoi Sing Chan, Helen Shuk Wah Ma

The British Journal of Psychiatry July 2016 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.115.166124 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 182
Population Adults with generalised anxiety disorder
Interventions Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation
Duration 8-week intervention, 5-month follow-up after baseline for all groups, with an additional 6 months for the two intervention groups
Topics Anxiety Meditation
Key findings Both MBCT and CBT-based psychoeducation reduced anxiety more than usual care over time. Psychoeducation also improved worry, depressive symptoms, and mental health-related quality of life, while MBCT did not show these additional benefits. The authors suggest both interventions are superior to usual care for anxiety reduction.

Abstract

Research suggests that an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course may be effective for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). To compare changes in anxiety levels among participants with GAD randomly assigned to MBCT, cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation and usual care. In total, 182 participants with GAD were recruited (trial registration number: CUHK_CCT00267) and assigned to the three groups and followed for 5 months after baseline assessment with the two intervention groups followed for an additional 6 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety and worry levels. Linear mixed models demonstrated significant group × time interaction (F(4,148) = 5.10, P = 0.001) effects for decreased anxiety for both the intervention groups relative to usual care. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for worry and depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of life for the psychoeducation group only. These results suggest that both of the interventions appear to be superior to usual care for the reduction of anxiety symptoms.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety 2016 Randomized controlled trial n = 51
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression 2016 Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial n = 29
Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious or spiritual... 2006 Double-blind study n = 36
Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Adults with advanced-stage cancer and anxiety 2010 Double-blind, placebo-controlled study n = 12

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