Mindfulness-based interventions for non-affective psychosis: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are routinely used in clinical practice, a comprehensive synthesis of the effectiveness of MBIs for non-affective psychosis has yet to be conducted. The aim of the present review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of MBIs including those with mindfulness as an active treatment component for alleviating symptoms of psychosis to inform future clinical practice. Methods A systematic review of studies published in journals or in dissertations in CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, ISRCTN, or CNKI from January 1990 until December 2020. A total of 31 eligible studies (n = 2146) were included. Results Effect-size estimates suggested that 22 independent samples (n = 1632) produced a statistically significant small effect for psychotic symptoms (g = −0.48), and with a clinically significant reduction of 50% from baseline (pooled OR: 1.84). Separate meta-analyses demonstrated small effects for affective symptoms (g = −0.44) and small-to-large positive effects for quality of life (g = 0.38), mindfulness skills (g = 0.45), and insight into illness/treatment (g = 1.35). The heterogeneity was high across the studies. Conclusion Results suggest that short-term MBIs can be beneficial for non-affective psychosis. Future research is needed to test the efficacy and safety of dedicated MBIs for this population group over a longer term. KEY MESSAGES Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, also known as non-affective psychosis, is the most chronic and debilitating type of psychosis, seriously affecting every aspect of a person’s life, including social, occupational, or general functioning. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate formerly unexamined questions regarding the clinical significance of MBIs including yoga as an increasingly utilized, conceptualized psychological intervention on overall psychotic symptoms for people with non-affective psychosis. No serious adverse events were reported in the studies, suggesting that MBIs may be safe interventions, while there is robust evidence to support the view that MBIs are beneficial to young people in particular.