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The Clinical Journal of Pain Feb 2024This systematic review aimed to compile existing evidence examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). CLBP leads to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to compile existing evidence examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). CLBP leads to millions of disabled individuals in the United States each year. Current pharmacologic treatments are only modestly effective and may present long-term safety issues. MBIs, which have an excellent safety profile, have been shown in prior studies to be effective in treating CLBP yet remained underutilized.
DESIGN
Ovid/Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pilot RCTs, and single-arm studies that explored the effectiveness of MBIs in CLBP.
METHODS
Separate searches were conducted to identify trials that evaluated MBIs in reducing pain intensity in individuals with CLBP. A meta-analysis was then performed using R v3.2.2, Metafor package v 1.9-7.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies used validated patient-reported pain outcome measures and were therefore included in the meta-analysis. The MBIs included mindfulness meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, meditation-cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based care for chronic pain, self-compassion course, and loving-kindness course. Pain intensity scores were reported using a numerical rating scale (0 to 10) or an equivalent scale. The meta-analysis revealed that MBIs have a beneficial effect on pain intensity with a large-sized effect in adults with CLBP.
CONCLUSIONS
MBIs seem to be beneficial in reducing pain intensity. Although these results were informative, findings should be carefully interpreted due to the limited data the high variability in study methodologies, small sample sizes, inclusion of studies with high risk of bias, and reliance on pre-post treatment differences with no attention to maintenance of effects. More large-scale RCTs are needed to provide reliable effect size estimates for MBIs in persons with CLBP.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mindfulness; Low Back Pain; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Chronic Pain; Meditation
PubMed: 37942696
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001173 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing May 2021To assess the effects of mindfulness-based interventions for patients with coronary heart disease. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To assess the effects of mindfulness-based interventions for patients with coronary heart disease.
DESIGN
A systematic review with meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Eight mainstream databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid Emcare, PsycInfo, CINAHL complete, Web of Science, CENTRAL and PubMed, were searched from January 1979-March 2020.
REVIEW METHODS
Randomized controlled trials that evaluated mindfulness-based interventions on psychological outcomes, cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in adults with coronary heart disease were considered. We conducted meta-analyses using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
Nine studies involving 644 participants were included. Compared with inactive controls (e.g. usual care), mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced depression (SMD -0.72, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.21, p < .01) and stress (SMD -0.67, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.34, p < .01), but not anxiety and blood pressure. There were no significant psychological effects compared with active controls (e.g. other psychological interventions). In one of three studies that assessed generic quality of life, mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved psychological and social domains compared with active control. The intervention effects on other cardiovascular risk factors were inconclusive given that only one study assessed each outcome with non-significant findings. Subgroup analyses suggest that intervention type and participants' depression and anxiety status may influence intervention effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Mindfulness-based interventions may benefit patients with coronary heart disease in reducing depression and stress, but the effects on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life are inconclusive.
IMPACT
This review offers preliminary evidence for the potential of mindfulness-based interventions as an effective complementary approach to addressing psychological distress among people with coronary heart disease. Given the limitations in current studies, further rigorously designed and well-reported research is necessary to give robust evidence. Studies exploring the intervention effects on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life are warranted to remedy the research and knowledge gap.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Coronary Disease; Depression; Humans; Mindfulness; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33433036
DOI: 10.1111/jan.14738 -
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental... Jun 2023WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One intervention that fosters... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One intervention that fosters mindfulness is mantram repetition. Mantram repetition is an ancient traditional practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase at various times throughout the day and whenever needed. Psychologically, mantram repetition can mitigate immediate stressors. When used consistently, mantram repetition promotes resilience and deepens mindfulness, thereby promoting recovery from distress. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper examines the overall effect of mantram repetition on psychological distress symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety and somatization). WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The portable, cost-effective, mantram repetition intervention outperformed standard therapies. In people who are prone to psychological distress, practitioners might teach this technique, encouraging them to use it initially as they go through their day and then when they are experiencing distress. Mantram repetition can quiet the mind and pairs well with breathing exercises and routine activities such as walking or exercising, or during chores, thus, integrating the mantram into daily life.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One mindfulness intervention is mantram repetition. Mantram repetition is an ancient traditional practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase at various times throughout the day and whenever needed.
AIM
To examine the evidence of the effect of mantram repetition on psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety and somatization).
METHOD
We searched 16 databases and retrieved 12 studies testing the effects of mantram repetition; only four of these measured aspects of psychological distress with comparison groups.
RESULTS
All studies showed positive effects ranging from very mild (.08) to very strong (.71). The summary effect across all studies was small (.23, p = .015). Importantly, this small effect was found when compared to treatment as usual and even psychotherapy.
DISCUSSION
The portable, cost-effective, mantram repetition intervention outperformed standard therapies.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
In patients who are prone to psychological distress, practitioners might teach this technique, encouraging them to use it initially as they go through their day and then when they are experiencing distress. Mantram repetition could be practiced with breathing exercises, when walking or exercising, or during chores, integrating the mantram into daily life.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Psychotherapy; Psychological Distress; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Mindfulness; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 36427257
DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12886 -
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy Sep 2022Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse-prevention intervention for people experiencing major depression. Three qualitative meta-syntheses investigating... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse-prevention intervention for people experiencing major depression. Three qualitative meta-syntheses investigating experiences of taking part in MBCT and/or Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) across different diagnostic populations reported themes including control, choice, group processes, relationships and struggles. As multiple studies have been published since, we aimed to update, systematically review and synthesize the experiences of participants with depression taking part in MBCT.
METHODS
Four databases were searched systematically (PsycInfo, Web of Science, Medline and CINAHL) up to and including 12 November 2021. Twenty-one qualitative studies met the review criteria. All papers were rated as fair using a quality appraisal tool. Meta-ethnography was applied.
RESULTS
Across 21 studies of participants with current or previous depression who had participated in MBCT, three overarching themes were developed: 'Becoming skilled and taking action', 'Acceptance' and 'Ambivalence and Variability'. Participants became skilled through engagement in mindfulness practices, reporting increased awareness, perspective and agency over their experiences. Participants developed acceptance towards their experiences, self and others. There was variability and ambivalence regarding participants' expectations and difficulties within mindfulness practices.
LIMITATIONS
Many studies were conducted in MBCT-research centres that may hold conflicts of interest. Many studies did not address the impact of the participant-researcher relationship thus potentially affecting their interpretations. Studies were skewed towards the experiences of female participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings help to enhance participant confidence in MBCT, alongside understanding the processes of change and the potential for difficulties. MBCT is beneficial and provides meaningful change for many but remains challenging for some.
Topics: Humans; Female; Mindfulness; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Anthropology, Cultural; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35912665
DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2773 -
Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology Nov 2023Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Cancer negatively affects individuals' quality of life and overall health. Mindfulness-based interventions... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Cancer negatively affects individuals' quality of life and overall health. Mindfulness-based interventions appear to be promising in the reduction of cancer- and treatment-related symptoms. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based interventions on distress, anxiety, depression, stress, mindfulness, sleep disturbance, quality of life, rumination, fear of cancer recurrence, fatigue and post-traumatic growth among adult cancer patients.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted across five electronic databases. Only randomized controlled trials were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and performed quality assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using review manager software, and standardized mean difference was used to determine intervention effects. Heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistics.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included with a total of 962 participants. Analyses revealed that online mindfulness-based interventions was effective in reducing distress (I2 = 98%;standardized mean difference = -2.21,95% confidence interval: -3.84 to 0.57;P = 0.008), depression (I2 = 45%;standardized mean difference = -0.33,95% confidence interval: -0.64 to -0.03;P = 0.03), stress (I2 = 97%;standardized mean difference = -2.14,95% confidence interval: -4.24 to -0.03;P = 0.05) and sleep disturbance (I2 = 54%;standardized mean difference = -0.30,95% confidence interval: -0.59 to -0.01;P = 0.04), and improving quality of life (I2 = 94%;standardized mean difference = 0.92,95% confidence interval: 0.09-1.76;P = 0.03). The online mindfulness-based interventions had no significant effects on anxiety, mindfulness, rumination, fear of cancer recurrence, fatigue and post-traumatic growth. Subgroup analyses revealed that online mindfulness-based interventions resulted in higher effect sizes for distress when delivered by website than application, significantly higher effect sizes were also found for online mindfulness-based interventions with guidance, but not on treatment or cancer type. For sleep disturbance, and quality of life, no significant differences between subgroups were found.
CONCLUSION
These results provide preliminary support that online mindfulness-based interventions may be feasible and acceptable, which can be used as an adjuvant therapy for the management of cancer-related symptoms among cancer patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mindfulness; Quality of Life; Anxiety; Sleep Wake Disorders; Neoplasms; Fatigue
PubMed: 37567587
DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad101 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. The selected studies had to incorporate a mindfulness intervention in university students. The methodological quality of the collected articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
We initially identified 321 studies, of which 21 were included in this review. The interventions focused on mindfulness with durations ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months. The results demonstrated significant effects of a mindfulness intervention on mental health in university students.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that mindfulness is effective for improving the mental health of college students.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
identifier: CRD42023441453.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Mental Health; Universities; Depression; Students
PubMed: 38111480
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284632 -
Archives of Women's Mental Health Apr 2023This review aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in women with infertility. Studies were included if... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This review aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in women with infertility. Studies were included if participants were women diagnosed with infertility, were over the age of 18, and the design was a randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based intervention program. Two independent reviewers undertook eligibility screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. We used RevMan software version 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration) to conduct the meta-analyses. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was followed. Ten articles were finally included in the current meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed large, significant effects of mindfulness-based interventions that can effectively reduce depression[SMD = -1.28, 95% CI (-1.95, -0.60), P < 0.0001], anxiety [SMD = -0.89, 95% CI (-1.26, -0.51), P < 0.00001] symptoms, and improve five domains of health-related quality of life (physical function [MD = 9.47, 95% CI (4.33, 14.61), P = 0.0003], general health [MD = 15.77, 95% CI (7.62, 23.92), P = 0.0002], vitality [MD = 14.85, 95% CI (4.95, 24.74), P = 0.003], role-physical [MD = 22.44, 95% CI (14.97, 29.91), P < 0.00001] and social function [MD = 8.27, 95% CI (3.56, 12.97), P = 0.0006)] in women with infertility. The current meta-analysis results revealed that mindfulness-based interventions could effectively reduce depression and anxiety symptoms and improve health-related quality of life in women with infertility. Future rigorously designed, high-quality research is required to demonstrate whether mindfulness-based intervention programs can effectively reduce perceived stress and BMI.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Mindfulness; Quality of Life; Depression; Infertility; Stress, Psychological; Anxiety; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36952004
DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01307-2 -
Family Process Sep 2021Over the past decades, mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to improve individual health and well-being in clinical and nonclinical settings. More recently,...
Over the past decades, mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to improve individual health and well-being in clinical and nonclinical settings. More recently, secular contemplative trainings were adapted to the couple context as research showed satisfying couple relationships to be one of the strongest predictors of physical and mental health. Mindfulness-based interventions hence seem to be a promising treatment in couple counseling and therapy in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of the emerging literature in the field of mindfulness-based interventions for couples and other dyads. Overall, sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. To summarize the heterogeneous quantitative literature regarding individual outcomes, mindfulness interventions for couples seem to increase mindfulness, self-compassion, well-being, and quality of life. Additionally, we found initial evidence of beneficial effects on relieving psychopathological symptoms and psychobiological stress measures. Measures of relationship quality were the predominant dyadic outcome. Based on these studies, we cautiously conclude that mindfulness trainings can enhance relationship quality. Practitioners should be aware that mindfulness-based interventions for couples can potentially improve the perceived relationship quality between partners and the individual burden. Future studies should expand the field, particularly with regard to other contemplative practices for couples such as compassion interventions.
Topics: Empathy; Humans; Mindfulness; Psychopathology; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34114656
DOI: 10.1111/famp.12683 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Bodily distress, i.e., somatoform disorders and associated functional somatic syndromes, is highly prevalent, often persistent and highly disabling. It has been proposed...
OBJECTIVE
Bodily distress, i.e., somatoform disorders and associated functional somatic syndromes, is highly prevalent, often persistent and highly disabling. It has been proposed that "third wave" therapies may be beneficial variants of cognitive behavioral treatments. However, evidence on their efficacy is scarce. This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of "third wave" psychotherapies (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy [MBCT], mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR], and acceptance and commitment therapy [ACT]) in adults with bodily distress.
METHOD
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) treating adults with bodily distress using MBCT, MBSR, and ACT compared to inactive and non-specific control groups. A random effects model was used. The primary outcome was somatic symptom severity. Secondary outcomes were degrees of depression and of anxiety, health anxiety, perceived health status, mindfulness, psychological inflexibility, and pain acceptance.
RESULTS
Sixteen RCTs with 1,288 participants were included in the analysis ( = 4 MBCT, = 7 MBSR, = 5 ACT; = 7 fibromyalgia, = 5 irritable bowel syndrome, = 1 chronic fatigue syndrome, = 2 bodily distress, = 1 medically unexplained symptoms). However, not all studies provided data for each of the relevant outcomes. The analyses revealed that "third wave" therapies were more effective than control conditions in reducing somatic symptom severity ( = 15, = 1,100, = -0.51, 95%CI -0.69; -0.32). Heterogeneity was moderate ( = 52.8%, 95%CI 15.1 to 73.8). Effects for secondary outcomes were small to moderate with varying degrees of heterogeneity. We did not find differences between the different therapy approaches (mindfulness- vs. acceptance-based therapies); neither therapy dosis (i.e., total duration of therapy sessions) nor number of sessions were significant moderators of efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS
The therapies addressing mindfulness and acceptance proved to be more effective than control conditions. Hence, they are promising treatment approaches for bodily distress. However, there is still need for research on which patient groups may benefit from these psychological approaches.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://osf.io/g7hby, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/4RZGC.
PubMed: 37151971
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1160908 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jul 2021The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the role of emotion (dys)regulation in gambling disorder (GD). PsycINFO,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the role of emotion (dys)regulation in gambling disorder (GD). PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for articles published until November 3, 2020. Forty-nine studies were considered for the systematic review; of these, 38 comprising 5242 participants met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Associations were found between GD and specific emotion regulation (ER) deficits, namely (1) nonacceptance of negative emotional states, (2) difficulties in maintaining goal-directed behaviors when faced with intense emotional contexts, (3) lack of clarity about emotional states (poor emotional awareness), (4) low impulse control in reaction to negative emotional states, and (5) difficulties in accessing adaptive ER strategies. We furthermore found that GD is associated with a tendency for emotional suppression, which is known as a maladaptive ER strategy and linked with reduced mindfulness abilities. Additional moderator analyses were conducted regarding age, gender, type of instrument used to measure GD, clinical status of the samples, and quality of the studies. Overall, the data demonstrated consistent and significant associations between GD and ER. This systematic review and meta-analysis mostly supports the conceptualization of GD as an addictive disorder characterized by ER deficits and stresses the need to develop interventions in ER deficits that are tailored to the specificities of GD.
Topics: Behavior, Addictive; Emotional Regulation; Emotions; Gambling; Humans; Mindfulness
PubMed: 34022642
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102037