A Systematic Review of Third-Wave Therapies to Reduce Distress and Improve Wellbeing and Quality of Life in People with Parkinson's Disease.
Demetra Christodoulou, Suzanne Reeves, Naashoma P Carvalho, Judith Stellman, Rebecca L. Gould
Clinical Gerontologist May 31, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2025.2511957 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People with Parkinson's disease |
| Interventions | mindfulness-based interventions Mindfulness Yoga acceptance and commitment therapy |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression |
| Keywords | Parkinson’s disease Psychological distress Systematic review Third-wave psychotherapies Mindfulness mindfulness-based practices Mindfulness yoga Psychological well-being Quality of life Strong evidence |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness Yoga showed significant effects on depression, anxiety, psychological well-being, and quality of life in the largest trial, but overall evidence for third-wave psychotherapies in Parkinson's disease remains mixed and limited by small sample sizes. |
Abstract
This systematic review assessed use of third-wave psychotherapies in reducing psychological distress and improving psychological well-being and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease and critically evaluated intervention adaptations. A literature search, conducted across five databases identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating third-wave psychotherapies for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Ten RCTs were identified of which nine evaluated mindfulness-based interventions, and one acceptance and commitment therapy. Methodological quality ranged from moderate to high, but sample sizes were small, and only one study was adequately powered. Five reported on Parkinson's specific adaptations. The trial with the largest sample size reported a significant effect of Mindfulness Yoga on depression and anxiety, psychological well-being and quality of life. Other findings were mixed across all outcomes. There was evidence of an effect of Mindfulness Yoga on our pre-defined outcomes. Pilot and feasibility trials showed that mindfulness-based interventions were well received and provided feedback on adaptations. There was a lack of data to draw conclusions regarding non-mindfulness-based therapies. Larger trials of mindfulness-based interventions are required to establish the clinical meaningfulness of treatment effects. Further research is needed to adapt and explore on non-mindfulness-based interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review BMC Neurology May 15, 2017
- Mindfulness or meditation therapy for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Neurology August 1, 2023
- A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating MBSR for Parkinson's Disease Patients and Their Caregiving Partners: Effects on Distress, Social support, Cortisol, and Inflammation. Mindfulness May 2022
- Acceptability and Feasibility of a Mindfulness Intervention Delivered via Videoconferencing for People With Parkinson's. Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology January 2022
- Effects of Mindfulness Yoga vs Stretching and Resistance Training Exercises on Anxiety and Depression for People With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurology July 1, 2019
and 2 more in the library