The impact of mindfulness on mental health in cancer patients: an integrative review
Gustavo Barbosa Martins, Amanda Simon Puziski, M. Costa, Rafaela Ibrahim Alves, Thaina Gabriely Santiago
Brazilian Journal of Health Review October 2, 2023 DOI: 10.34119/bjhrv6n5-415 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Oncological patients' mental health (cancer patients) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) internet-based MBIs |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors report that mindfulness-based interventions produced relative improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in cancer patients, with short-term stress relief but diminished long-term efficacy for depression. They note greater mindfulness adherence and efficacy among women, and argue that adherence, acceptability, engagement, therapeutic alliance, and internet-based delivery are important to outcomes. |
Abstract
This article explores the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in psycho-oncology, specifically targeting the reduction of depressive and anxious symptoms in cancer patients. It investigates short-term efficacy for anxiety and the uncertainty of long-term depression treatment. The study also examines the feasibility of internet-based MBIs for patients with limited in-person access, emphasizing the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance. Moreover, it underscores understanding therapeutic factors and personalized approaches for various patient groups. Using PubMed, articles with keywords "Mindfulness," "AND," and "Cancer" were searched, including those published between 2018 and 2023 in Portuguese and English. Exclusions comprised reviews, books, or irrelevant documents. From 105 samples, 32 were carefully selected, resulting in 20 articles. Analyzing 20 articles on MBIs in oncological patients' mental health revealed relative improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Short-term stress resolution was noted, but long-term efficacy was diminished. Gender-wise, women exhibited greater mindfulness adherence and efficacy. Mindfulness interventions offer short-term relief for anxiety and depression, with less robust long-term effectiveness. Adherence, acceptability, and engagement play pivotal roles. Mindfulness proves cost-effective, accessible, and applicable across care stages. Further long-term studies are needed to assess its cost-effectiveness in cancer patient healthcare, regardless of gender.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- Mindfulness‐based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Psycho-Oncology September 11, 2019
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on breast cancer symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis Einstein 2018
- Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on rumination in patients with breast cancer. BMC Women's Health December 28, 2022
- Effect of a 4-Week Internet-Delivered Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery Intervention on the Symptom Burden and Quality of Life of Patients With Breast Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research November 22, 2022
- The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cancer-related fatigue in oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis PLoS One July 14, 2022
and 5 more in the library