Effect of Mind-Body Therapies on Mental Health Outcomes in Bipolar Disorder: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of mind–body therapies on mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, anxiety, quality of life, and mindfulness) in individuals with bipolar disorder. Randomized controlled trials published in English without year restriction and comparing mind–body therapies with an active control group or a wait-list control were included. Scopus, PubMed (MEDLINE), Wiley, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched up to April 2024. Nine studies including a total of 1,205 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Mind–body therapies were not associated with significant effects on depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, or quality of life. However, these therapies were associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and a significant increase in mindfulness scores. Future studies should aim to develop and implement mind–body therapy programs specific to bipolar disorder and design studies to evaluate whether these interventions are applicable in individuals with bipolar disorder. Given their potential to reduce anxiety and increase mindfulness, mind–body therapies may be considered as a complementary approach to pharmacological and psychosocial treatments in bipolar disorder.