CALM Pregnancy: results of a pilot study of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for perinatal anxiety.
Janice H Goodman, Anthony Guarino, Kerry Chenausky, Lauri Klein, Joanna Prager, Rebecca Petersen, Avery Forget, Marlene P. Freeman
Archives of women's mental health January 22, 2014 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-013-0402-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Open treatment trial (pilot feasibility study) Randomized Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Pregnant women with generalized anxiety disorder or prominent symptoms of generalized anxiety |
| Intervention | Coping with Anxiety through Living Mindfully (CALM) Pregnancy |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Perinatal care Feasibility studies Pilot projects Adaptation, psychological Pregnancy Adult Middle aged Female Surveys and questionnaires Cognitive behavioral therapy |
| Key findings | In an open trial, 23 of 24 pregnant women with anxiety completed the CALM Pregnancy mindfulness-based intervention, and completers showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in anxiety, worry, and depression plus increases in self-compassion and mindfulness. Of 17 who met GAD criteria at baseline, only one still met criteria post-intervention. The authors argue the intervention holds potential as effective non-pharmacological treatment and warrants a randomized controlled trial. |
Abstract
Many women experience anxiety during pregnancy with potential negative effects on maternal, birth, and child outcomes. Because of potential risks of fetal exposure to psychotropic medications, efficacious non-pharmacologic approaches are urgently needed. However, no published studies of psychotherapeutic treatments for anxiety in pregnancy exist. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may substantially reduce anxiety and co-morbid symptoms in people with anxiety disorders. Coping with Anxiety through Living Mindfully (CALM) Pregnancy is an adaptation of MBCT designed to address anxiety in pregnant women. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcomes of the CALM Pregnancy intervention in pregnant women anxiety. Twenty-four pregnant women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or prominent symptoms of generalized anxiety participated in an open treatment trial of the CALM Pregnancy group intervention. Psychiatric diagnoses were determined by structured clinical interview, and self-report measures of anxiety, worry, depression, self-compassion, and mindfulness were completed at baseline and post-intervention. Qualitative feedback was elicited via questionnaire. Twenty-three participants completed the intervention with high attendance and good compliance with home practice. Completers showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in anxiety, worry, and depression, and significant increases in self-compassion and mindfulness. Of the 17 participants who met GAD criteria at baseline, only one continued to meet criteria post-intervention. Participants regarded their experience in the intervention to be overwhelmingly positive. MBCT in the form of the CALM Pregnancy intervention holds potential to provide effective, non-pharmacological treatment for pregnant women with anxiety. These promising findings warrant further testing of the intervention with a randomized controlled trial.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 34
- Using an Electronic Mindfulness-based Intervention (eMBI) to improve maternal mental health during pregnancy: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Research December 1, 2023
- Perinatal Understanding of Mindful Awareness for Sleep (PUMAS): A single-arm proof-of-concept clinical trial of a mindfulness-based intervention for DSM-5 insomnia disorder during pregnancy. Sleep Medicine August 1, 2023
- The Role of Mindfulness and Self Compassion toward Depression among Pregnant Women International Journal of Public Health Science September 2, 2018
- Development and Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Mobile Intervention for Perinatal Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research January 17, 2025
- The feasibility and acceptability of Project POWER: a mindfulness-infused, cognitive-behavioral group intervention to address mental and sexual health needs of young pregnant women in Liberia BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth March 20, 2023
and 29 more in the library
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