Mindfulness-based Therapy Research Articles

Evaluating the Efficacy of Psycho-Behavioral Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk among People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

People with HIV (PWH) are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Psycho-behavioral therapies are capable of targeting the pathophysiology underlying HIV-CVD comorbidity. This study synthesized findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psycho-behavioral therapies for reducing CVD risk among PWH following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (1) utilized an RCT design, (2) evaluated a cognitive-behavioral or mindfulness-based therapy, (3) sampled adults (age ≥18 years) with HIV, (4) measured a behavioral (e.g., diet) or biological (e.g., immune functioning) CVD risk factor, and (5) published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal. Electronic searches were conducted in six databases (e.g., MEDLINE) using controlled vocabulary and free-text synonyms for HIV, psycho-behavioral therapy, and CVD risk. Data were independently extracted with consensus reached. Outcomes were immune activation, tobacco-smoking, stress, inflammation, and physical activity from 33 studies. There were stronger effects for psycho-behavioral interventions compared to controls on CD4 (Hedge's g=0.262, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.127, 0.396) and tobacco-smoking abstinence (Hedge's g=0.537, 95% CI=0.215, 0.86). There were no differences or insufficient data for stress, inflammation, or physical activity. No eligible studies examined psycho-behavioral interventions on blood pressure, lipids, or weight in PWH. There is increasing importance to further invest in broader CVD risk reduction effort for PWH that include psycho-behavioral intervention strategies.

The Utilization and Potential of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy in Individuals Diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) poses a significant threat to health and well-being, although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective treatment method. However, many patients undergoing PCI for coronary heart disease often experience negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances, poor adherence to medications, and somatic symptoms. These adverse psychological effects can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a highly effective mind-body therapy, has been increasingly utilized in the recovery process of patients with coronary heart disease. Several scholars have conducted mindfulness interventions for post-PCI patients with coronary heart disease and achieved promising outcomes. This article primarily focuses on applying mindfulness-based stress reduction in PCI patients with coronary heart disease and its future prospects.

Examining the Role of Mindfulness in Alleviating Death Anxiety

Death anxiety, defined as strong worry and concern about death and dying, can have a substantial impact on a person's mental health and quality of life. This study investigates the effectiveness of mindfulness activities in reducing death anxiety by encouraging a present-focused and welcoming mindset. Mindfulness, which includes essential features such as observing, describing, responding with awareness, being nonjudgmental, and remaining nonreactive, is thought to lower the intensity of death dread through improved emotional control and cognitive processing. The study investigates how mindfulness promotes a more balanced and less reactive approach to existential problems. Mindfulness activities teach people to examine their thoughts and feelings without judgment, narrate their experiences in a non-evaluative manner, act with heightened awareness, and create an attitude of acceptance and non-reactivity. This strategy can reduce the avoidance and denial that are commonly linked with death dread, allowing for a more healthy processing of mortality-related ideas. The study's findings indicate that people who practice mindfulness on a daily basis have lower levels of fear about death. These strategies serve to shift the focus away from future- oriented anxieties and towards present-moment sensations, lessening the cognitive and emotional load of death-related thoughts. The study emphasizes the therapeutic potential of mindfulness-based therapies in clinical settings and advocates for their incorporation into mental health treatment regimens to address death anxiety and other existential issues. Individuals who cultivate a conscious approach to death may increase their psychological resilience, enjoy more emotional stability, and acquire a deeper sense of inner peace. The findings of this study highlight the value of mindfulness as a potent strategy for reducing death anxiety and promoting general mental well-being.

The relationship between mindfulness and empathy with the oxytocinergic system in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (OXYGEN)

BackgroundThe present study explored the feasibility and acceptability as well as the impact of mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) on oxytocin levels (OXT) and clinical parameters in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). MethodsIn a randomized-controlled design, outpatients with SSD (N = 48) were assigned to either MBGT in addition to German university-level treatment as usual (MBGT+TAU; n = 25) or TAU (n = 23). At baseline and at four-week post-intervention, clinical parameters and OXT levels were determined. ResultsResults indicate high feasibility and acceptance with a 95.7% adherence- and 94% retention- rate of MBGT in SSD. While no significant changes in empathy were observed, MBGT+TAU demonstrated a significant reduction in positive symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrom Scale) compared to TAU at post-intervention. OXT levels were significantly increased in MBGT+TAU at post-intervention, suggesting a potential link between mindfulness and the oxytocinergic system in SSD. Additionally, improvements in various clinical parameters were indicated. ConclusionThe study contributes to the growing evidence supporting feasibility, acceptability, and positive effects of MBGT in outpatients with SSD, emphasizing the need for further research to solidify these findings. Overall, this work sheds first evidence on the intersection of mindfulness, oxytocin, and clinical outcomes in SSD.

The Role of Mindfulness-Based Therapies in Alleviating Anxiety and Depression among Chinese University Students

Objective: Over the years, the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety is rapidly increasing, emphasizing the incorporation of effective mindfulness-based therapies to overcome such issues. Therefore, this study also focuses on the role of mindfulness-based therapies in alleviating anxiety and depression among Chinese university students. Method: For this purpose, “Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)” therapy was taken into account. A total of 100 students were considered for this study. 50 of the students were incorporated in MBSR group while the remaining were included in control group. In this regard, the “Affective Control Scale (ACS)” was used for determining the anger, depression, anxiety and positive emotion among both groups. Results: The results obtained from this RCT showed that the positive emotion fear was less than the fear concerning depression, anger and anxiety. The incorporated MBSR therapy was found to be effective in decreasing anxiety and depression among university students in China (p<0.001). Conclusion: As a result, different cognitive mechanisms (rumination, decentering and mindfulness) are found to be improved among such students. The current study has also been effective in presenting different theoretical as well as practical implications in promoting mindfulness-based therapies to reduce anxiety and depression among individuals.

EFFECTS OF DHIKR SPIRITUAL MEDITATION PRACTICE ON THE RECOVERY OF DRUG ABUSER: A PHENOMENOLOGY STUDY

Meditation based intervention such as mindfulness-based therapy, mantra, yoga, Qi Gong and Zen are generally focused on the integration of Buddhism, Hindhuism and Western psychology. However, little is known about Islamic dhikr spiritual meditation. The present article intent to describe the implications of dhikr meditation to recovering drug addicts’ wellbeing and life based on their experiences. Phenomenological qualitative study design was used with face to face and semi structured interview. Six participants were recruited among recovering drug addicts who had been in the Islamic rehabilitation centre and still practising dhikr spiritual meditation. The entire interviews were recorded and transcribed into verbatim. Then, the transcripts were thematic analytically. Four broad domains which spiritual changes, shift of thought, emotional and behavioural transformation were revealed after consistent and prolonged period of continuos dhikr spiritual meditation. Findings revealed that consistent practice of dhikr meditation has give an apparent impact on recovering drug addicts’ cognitive, emotion and behaviour. In conclusion, the individuals’ belief, values, culture, and spiritual paradigm should be addressed by healthcare professional and counselor to develop holistic strategy for drug addiction therapy.

Esketamine combined with a mindfulness-based intervention for individuals with alcohol problems.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health issue, posing harmful consequences for individuals and society. Recent advances in addiction research have highlighted the therapeutic potential of ketamine-assisted therapy for AUD. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unknown. This double-blind, pilot study aimed to investigate esketamine combined with mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) to examine whether esketamine enhances engagement in MBI for individuals with alcohol misuse problems and whether enhanced engagement has any impact on alcohol-related outcomes. In all, 28 individuals with alcohol problems were randomly assigned to receive sublingual esketamine hydrochloride (AWKN002: 115.1 mg) or vitamin C (placebo) in an oral thin film and took part in 2 weeks of daily MBI. Participants were assessed on various self-report measures, including mindfulness, engagement in MBI (physical and psychological), alcohol cravings and consumption. Esketamine enhanced psychological engagement with a daily MBI, compared to placebo, and led to transient decreases in alcohol cravings. Esketamine also resulted in significantly greater mystical experiences and dissociative states compared to placebo. The findings suggest that esketamine may improve treatment outcomes when combined with mindfulness-based therapies through its ability to increase engagement with meditative practice.

The effect of educational intervention according to mindfulness on the psychological well-being of female heads of households

ObjectiveThe low level of psychological well-being is one of the most common problems of the women who are the heads of households, and various educational programs have been conducted to improve the psychological well-being of such a group. The present study was conducted to outline the effectiveness of mindfulness-based educational intervention in the psychological well-being of women as the heads of households.MethodsThis research as a semi-experimental study was done by pretest–posttest design and control group. The study statistical population included all women as the heads of households in Shiraz, who had a file in the Shiraz based welfare office and at the same time their children were studying in schools covered by the 2nd district educational department of Shiraz in 2022–2023. Out of the female heads of the households in the statistical community, 30 women were selected as Purposive sampling and then randomly divided into two 15-individual groups, including experimental group (training on mindfulness-based therapy) and control group. The research tool included Ryff’s psychological well-being scale (Ryff, 1989). The experimental group was subjected to training on mindfulness-based therapy (Baer et al., 2006) during eight 90-min sessions. However, the control group did not receive any intervention.ResultAfter running the intervention, a significant difference was seen between the components of autonomy, personal growth, purpose in life, self-acceptance, positive relationship with others, and psychological well-being after running the educational intervention between the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05), while no meaningful difference popped up between the experimental and control groups in terms of environmental mastery as one of the aspects measured in psychological well-being scale after the educational intervention (P = 0.602).ConclusionAccording to the results, it seems that psychologists can benefit from the method of training on mindfulness-based therapy in order to increase the psychological well-being of women as the heads of households.

Positive psychology interventions in patients with prostate cancer: A systematic review.

e17005 Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and often results in psychiatric symptoms due to the direct disease effects, hormonal treatments, functional losses, and psychological responses of patients to the cancer. Positive psychology interventions have shown promise in alleviating psychological symptoms in patients with chronic diseases but are infrequently studied in patients with prostate cancer. Therefore, our systematic review aimed to examine the benefits of positive psychology interventions for patients with prostate cancer. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline, PubMed/Medline, and PsycInfo databases using a combination of MeSH terms and free text words, including publications up to November 2023. Studies were eligible if they included at least one positive psychology therapy intervention and the title or abstract mentioned the inclusion of patients with prostate cancer. Two individuals independently reviewed reports identified by the search to meet the above criteria and performed a quality assessment scale of studies based on standardized criteria that were adapted from those used in prior systematic reviews. The study was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository. Results: The database searches yielded 1244 initial studies, 10 of which met inclusion criteria. Of the 10 included studies, 2 were randomized clinical trials, 2 were pilot feasibility trials, 3 were single-arm interventional studies, and 3 were cross-sectional studies. Manuscripts focused on older adults, with reported mean ages ranging from 54.5 to 72.0. Positive psychology interventions consisted of mindfulness-based therapies, meditation, hope and resilience therapies, and well-being therapies. Most studies showed a positive effect on improving outcomes for patients with early to advanced stage prostate cancers, including psychological distress, mood disorders, anxiety, quality of life, happiness, and life satisfaction. However, most of the studies were limited by small sample size, qualitative findings, loss to follow-up, and observational data. Most studies also excluded patients with severe psychiatric disorders, who may potentially benefit most from these interventions. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that positive psychology approaches may have benefit in patients with prostate cancer. However, further larger prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to determine whether these interventions have proven benefit in this understudied population.

The Impact of Mind-Body Medicine on Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Background Recent research has suggested a role for mindfulness-based therapy for patients with chronic medical conditions, but there is limited data on pelvic pain. We aim to determine if mindfulness improves patient-reported outcomes in pelvic pain and to determine the feasibility of implementation of this program. Methodology This is a pilot feasibility trial consisting of women with chronic pelvic pain at a single academic tertiary referral clinic.A convenience sample of 15 subjects was enrolled. Subjects were scheduled for three 60-minute virtual mind-body sessions with a certified counselor. Baseline scores were obtained using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Computer Adaptive Testing (PROMIS-CAT) platform. They were repeated three months and six months after enrollment. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results A total of 15 patients were enrolled in the study. Among the 13 patients who completed the three-month PROMIS-CAT scores, seven had a clinically significant 5-point improvement in sleep disturbance T-score.At least a 5-point improvement in fatigue, pain interference, and ability to participate in social roles and activities T-scores were observed in six patients each. There was a 40% dropout rate. Conclusions A formal mind-body counseling program can support patients with chronic pelvic pain. Our trial demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a program and modest improvement in patient-reported quality of life.

The Impact of Chronic Diseases on Mental Health: AnOverview and Recommendations for Care Programs.

The current achievement of medical advancement is noteworthy; however, the occurrence of chronic diseases is increasing day by day, with a significant percentage of affected people aresuffering from a mental health crisis. This article aims to present a thorough yet brief review of methods that can be employed to build the emotional wellness of chronic patients. The mental health carestrategies include resilience-building, coping skills training, professional counseling, and lifestyle adaptations. Additionally, the article highlightsthe efficacy of several modern interventions, such as mindfulness-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization, andrecovery from stress therapy. The global burden of chronic illness emphasizes the pressing need to mitigate mental health problems among chronic patients. By providing actionable insights, our study clears the path for targeted interventions and holistic approaches for chronic disease patients. Moreover, the article suggests to policymakers and clinicians the need for collaboration and multifaceted interventions.

EHealth mindfulness-based music therapy for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A pilot randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is the preferred therapy for patients with high-risk or relapsed hematologic malignancies, but may be complicated by psychological distress (e.g., depression, anxiety) and symptom burden (e.g., fatigue, pain). Mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT), a relatively novel integrative medicine intervention that draws from mindfulness and music therapy principles, has shown promise in improving psychosocial outcomes and symptom burden in cancer patients. We outline an eHealth-based MBMT (eMBMT) intervention protocol examining: (1) feasibility, acceptability, and intended effects of eMBMT in improving HRQOL, symptom burden, and clinical markers of disease activity (e.g., infections), and (2) the extent to which eMBMT music therapy component-associated improvements in HRQOL, symptom burden, and disease activity are mediated by improvements in psychosocial and physiological (e.g., systemic inflammation, immune recovery) adaptation. MethodsParticipants (n = 60) with a hematologic malignancy undergoing allo-SCT will be randomized to receive eMBMT or an eHealth-based mindfulness meditation (eMM) intervention. eMBMT includes eight 60-min sessions facilitated by a music therapist focusing on mindfulness and music therapy. eMM includes eight 60-min self-led MM practices. ResultsFeasibility, acceptability, HRQOL, symptom burden, disease activity, and mediation effects of psychosocial and physiological adaptation will be assessed at baseline, pre-infusion, and post-engraftment with blood collection at baseline and post-engraftment. ConclusionThe current pilot RCT is the first eMBMT intervention to address the HRQOL and symptom burden of patients who are undergoing allo-SCT. Results will inform a fully powered RCT to establish preliminary efficacy of eMBMT on improvements in HRQOL, symptom burden, and disease activity.

Exploring unmet needs and preferences of young adult stroke patients for post-stroke care through PROMs and gender differences

BackgroundStroke incidence among young adults of working age (under 65 years of age) has significantly increased in the past decade, with major individual, social, and economic implications. There is a paucity of research exploring the needs of this patient population. This study assessed: (1) young adult stroke patients' physical, psychological, and occupational functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and (2) post-stroke care preferences using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), with attention to gender differences.MethodsA cross-sectional pilot study was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected through chart review and data on occupational function, physical, psychological, and social wellbeing &amp;gt;90 days post-stroke through a self-reported survey. Descriptive statistics, gender-based, and regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe sample included 85 participants. Participants reported impairments in both, occupational functioning, with 58.7% not returned to work (RTW), and HRQoL, specifically with social activities (37%), anxiety (34%), and cognitive function (34%). Women had significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) worse physical symptoms (sleep disturbance and fatigue), emotional health (depression, stigma, emotional dyscontrol) scores, and sense of self-identify post-stroke. Over 70% of participants preferred in-person post-stroke care led by health care providers and felt they would have benefited from receiving information on physical health (71.4%), emotional and psychological health (56.0%), RTW (38.1%), and self-identity (26.2%) post-stroke. Women preferred cognitive behavioral therapy (p = 0.018) and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (p = 0.016), while men preferred pharmacotherapy (p = 0.02) for psychological symptoms.ConclusionThis is the first study to report impaired HRQoL, psychological and occupational functioning using PROMs, with significant gender differences and preferences for post-stroke care delivery among young adult stroke patients at &amp;gt;90 days after stroke. The findings highlight the importance of needs, gender, and age-specific post-stroke education and interventions.

Interventions for insomnia in cancer patients and survivors-a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Considering the persistent nature and higher prevalence of insomnia in cancer patients and survivors compared with the general population, there is a need for effective management strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the available evidence for the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia in adult cancer patients and survivors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed data from 61 randomized controlled trials involving 6528 participants. Interventions included pharmacological, physical, and psychological treatments, with a focus on insomnia severity and secondary sleep and non-sleep outcomes. Frequentist and Bayesian analytical strategies were employed for data synthesis and interpretation. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) emerged as the most efficacious intervention for reducing insomnia severity in cancer survivors and further demonstrated significant improvements in fatigue, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. CBT-I showed a large postintervention effect (g = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 1.15) and a medium effect at follow-up (g = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.92). Other interventions such as bright white light therapy, sleep medication, melatonin, exercise, mind-body therapies, and mindfulness-based therapies showed benefits, but the evidence for their efficacy was less convincing compared with CBT-I. Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia showed promise as a less burdensome alternative for patients in active cancer treatment. CBT-I is supported as a first-line treatment for insomnia in cancer survivors, with significant benefits observed across sleep and non-sleep outcomes. The findings also highlight the potential of less intensive alternatives. The research contributes valuable insights for clinical practice and underscores the need for further exploration into the complexities of sleep disturbances in cancer patients and survivors.

Qualitative findings from a randomized trial of mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for opioid-treated chronic low back pain.

This article reports qualitative outcomes from a randomized controlled trial comparing eight weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) and mindfulness-based group therapy (MBT) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Approximately 10 months post-treatment, 108 participants completed structured qualitative interviews to express how the study treatment affected their life or health. Responses were qualitatively analyzed to generate a set of themes and subthemes, with between-groups comparisons to evaluate differences (if any) in treatment-response between MBT and CBT-CP. A majority of participants (n = 88, 81.5%) across both groups reflected positively on the study intervention and outcomes, identifying benefits in pain management (31.5%), meditation and mindfulness skills (25.9%), and relaxation skills (22.2%). Perceived benefits varied widely, suggesting no one intervention may be ideal for CLBP. Future research should examine tailoring interventions to target diverse clinical presentations to achieve optimal outcomes.

A literature review addressing the relationship between mindfulness and stress-level

This review explores the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions, particularly Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), in reducing stress. Existing research supports the positive impact of mindfulness-based therapy on stress, anxiety, and depression. Despite promising outcomes, the limited number of high-quality studies underscores the need for more comprehensive research. Highlighted studies include an 8-week mindfulness program for medical students, demonstrating significant reductions in stress and anxiety, and a pilot study investigating the impact of MBSR on individuals in substance abuse treatment. In the educational context, mindfulness interventions can improve students’ well-being and attention. A study in Granada, Spain, reports positive outcomes in health, school, and family variables post-intervention.In conclusion, while literature supports the positive impact of mindfulness on stress reduction, further robust research, especially in educational settings, is essential to establish effectiveness and guide future interventions.

Virtual Mindfulness-Based Therapy for the Management of Endometriosis Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Novel Delivery Platform to Increase Access to Care

ObjectivesThis study assessed the effectiveness of a virtual mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program to improve quality of life and pain in people with endometriosis. MethodsThis was a multiple-method, before and after study design. Fifteen patients with a clinical or surgical diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited from a Canadian outpatient gynaecology clinic. Participants completed the Endometriosis Health Profile, a validated survey tool, and a pain medication use questionnaire before and after a virtual 8-week MBSR program run by an experienced social worker. A focus group was held upon completion of the program to assess participants’ experiences using mindfulness for management of endometriosis symptoms. Quantitative data was analyzed with paired-samples t tests. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. ResultsA total of 67% of people enrolled completed the MBSR course (10/15). Following the MBSR program, participants had a statistically significant decrease in 4 components of the Endometriosis Health Profile: control and powerlessness (P = 0.012), emotional well-being (P = 0.048), social support (P = 0.030), and self-image (P = 0.014). There was no change in pain scores or medication use. Participants felt the program’s benefits came from a sense of community, education about their condition, and application of mindfulness tools when approaching pain. Participants felt more comfortable with the virtual format over in-person sessions. ConclusionsA virtual MBSR course can improve quality of life domains in people with endometriosis. The virtual format was effective and preferred by participants. Virtual MBSR programs may increase access to this type of care.

Mindful Night-to-Day: A Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Mindfulness-Based Insomnia and Symptom Management Intervention for Patients with Hematologic Cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives Patients with hematologic cancer experience severe symptoms (i.e. insomnia, fatigue, pain, distress). Few interventions addressing insomnia and other symptoms exist for this population. Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) may be appropriate but has only been tested in healthy outpatients. This study aimed to develop and test an adapted MBTI protocol for hematologic cancer patients. Methods Patient (n = 3) and clinician (n = 1) focus groups, and user-testing (N = 5) informed adaptation of Mindful Night-to-Day (MBTI+). A single-arm pilot trial (N = 32) evaluated feasibility (accrual, attrition, adherence), acceptability (intervention satisfaction), and changes to insomnia symptom severity (Insomnia Severity Index; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes (fatigue, pain, distress, pre-sleep arousal, mindfulness, symptom management self-efficacy) at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were conducted. Results Qualitative feedback informed MBTI+ content, format, and delivery. Mindfulness was used to increase symptom awareness (sleepiness vs. fatigue). Meditations and behavioral skills were applied to inpatient treatment. MBTI+ met feasibility (N = 32/12 months; 8.1% attrition; 83.8% adherence) and acceptability (M = 3.52/4.00) benchmarks. Insomnia symptom severity decreased (d = 1.20) from baseline to post-intervention, as did most secondary outcomes. Conclusions MBTI+ was feasible, acceptable, and showed promise for benefits throughout inpatient and outpatient treatment. Findings warrant further evaluation in a randomized trial.

Mental Health and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients may experience pessimism, and even despair, due to long-term nature of the condition, which increases the risk of depression. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can relieve depression. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effects of MBSR on mental health and quality of life in CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression, so as to provide guidance for clinical nursing programs. The clinical data of 100 CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were treated in Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from January 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on nursing method received, the patients were divided into the conventional group (conventional management) and the MBSR group (MBSR therapy was implemented in addition to conventional management). After matching, there were 35 cases in each group. The scores for the self-rating depression scale (SDS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Five-factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were compared between the two groups. After management, the SDS and PSQI scores of the MBSR group were lower than those of the conventional group, and the CD-RISC, FFMQ and SF-36 scores were higher than those of the conventional group (p < 0.05). MBSR can improve the mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life of CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression, and improve psychological resilience and mindfulness.

Effectiveness and usability of an e-health system on depression among patients with somatic disorders

AbstractIntroductionAn increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms can be seen in patients with severe somatic conditions, with a reduction in quality of life, an increase in sleep disturbances and an increased risk of suicide as some of the most serious consequences. However, few evidence-based interventions have been developed with the aim of reducing this comorbidity. The NEVERMIND system aims to address this issue by collecting psychometric and biomedical data via a smart shirt and a mobile app, which are used to predict patients’ depressive symptoms. Patients are then directed to personalised lifestyle behavioural advice, mindfulness-based therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy.ObjectivesThe primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the NEVERMIND system in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with somatic conditions compared to treatment as usual. Secondary objectives included the system’s effectiveness in preventing depressive symptoms, sustaining the effects at 24 weeks post-baseline, and reducing suicide ideation. Besides these, the usability, acceptability, and satisfaction of the system were examined in patients with breast or prostate cancer.MethodsFor this pragmatic randomised controlled trial, 425 patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction, breast or prostate cancer, kidney failure, or lower limb amputation were recruited from hospitals in Turin, Pisa and Lisbon. Data collection occurred at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks, with the primary outcome being depressive symptoms at week 12, measured by the Beck Depression Inventory II. Regarding the usability, acceptability and patient satisfaction, data from 288 patients was used.Results The intervention group included 213 and the control group 212 patients, with the sample’s mean age being 59.41 (SD=10.70). Patients who used the system reported having statistically significant lower depressive symptoms at 12 weeks (mean difference=-3.05, p=0.004; 95%CI -5.12 to -0.99) compared to controls, with a clinically relevant effect size (Cohen’s d=0.41). Furthermore, significant reductions were found for suicide ideation (mean difference=-0.61, p=0.020; 95%CI -1.13 to -0.10) and incidence of depressive symptoms at week 12 (OR=0.43, p=0.019; 95%CI 0.22 to 0.87). The decrease in depressive symptoms was sustained at week 24 (mean difference=-1.34, p=0.015; 95%CI -2.41 to -0.26). The system was found to have good usability, with women rating the system more favourably than men and valuing its emotional support, while men used the system more frequently than women and valued the self-awareness that the system encouraged.Conclusions The NEVERMIND system was shown to be superior to standard care in reducing and preventing depressive symptoms among the studied sample. A new project will be launched in the near future to continue the examination of the system’s effectiveness.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared