MBCT improves working memory and sustained attention in generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Yani Yang, Lei Sun, Peiqin Li, Yu Ding, Chuan Wang, Tengfen Yang, Jin Zhang, Cancan Zhang, Yan Zhang
Journal of Affective Disorders November 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.122692 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Assessor-blinded randomized trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 140 |
| Population | Adults with generalized anxiety disorder receiving stable pharmacological treatment |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) structured psychoeducation |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; assessments at baseline and post-intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Inhibitory control Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Sustained attention Working memory |
| Key findings | MBCT produced greater reductions in clinician-rated and self-reported anxiety and greater improvements in mindfulness, sustained attention, and working memory than structured psychoeducation, with no between-group difference in inhibitory control. Within the MBCT group, lower baseline cognitive performance predicted larger gains, and reduced self-reported anxiety was associated with working memory and subsequent sustained attention gains. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Although GAD is associated with cognitive impairments, it remains unclear whether MBCT benefits cognitive functioning in clinical practice. This study examined outcomes of MBCT among adults with GAD in a routine clinical setting. In this assessor blinded randomized trial, 140 adults with GAD received 8 weeks of group-based MBCT or structured psychoeducation alongside stable pharmacological treatment. Anxiety, mindfulness, working memory, sustained attention, and inhibitory control were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Linear mixed models tested intervention effects, and within-group regression analyses examined factors associated with cognitive improvement. GAD patients receiving MBCT showed greater reductions in clinician-rated and self-reported anxiety and greater improvements in mindfulness, sustained attention, and working memory than those receiving psychoeducation. No between group difference in change was found for inhibitory control. Within the MBCT group, lower baseline cognitive performance predicted greater gains. Reduced self-reported anxiety was associated with working memory and subsequent sustained attention gains. These findings support the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing anxiety symptoms and increasing mindfulness in adults with GAD. MBCT also improved sustained attention and working memory without significantly affecting inhibitory control. Cognitive gains varied with baseline performance, self-reported anxiety reduction, and improvement in related cognitive domains. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2400090284.
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 |