Mindfulness-Based Interventions Improve Psychotic Symptoms and Functioning, suggests study

A systematic search of nine electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science, was conducted up to March 2024. Experimental or quasi-trial studies published in English, investigating the effects of MBIs on schizophrenia spectrum disorders, were considered for eligibility. A random-effects model calculated effect sizes, while heterogeneity was examined through Funnel plots, Q statistics, and I². Subgroup analyses probed moderators of outcomes like patient age, intervention format, and practice duration.

The meta-analysis comprised 24 studies and had a total of 1,632 participants: 796 schizophrenia patients received MBIs, and 836 participants were controls. There was a predominance of male participants (69%, s = 7), with mean age ranging from 24.4 to 59.5 years.

Key Findings

• Psychotic Symptoms: Psychotic symptoms were significantly decreased (g = 0.70, 95% CI 0.04–1.36, I² = 96%).

• Global Functioning: Global functioning was enhanced with a notable improvement of g = 1.28, 95% CI 0.50–2.05.

• Insight: The patients' insight significantly improved (g = 1.21, 95% CI 0.88–1.55).

• Mindfulness: MBIs increased mindfulness levels (g = 0.56, 95% CI 0.15–0.97).

Subgroup Analysis:

• Psychotic symptoms worsened with each additional year of mean patient age (slope = -0.071, p = 0.016).

• Daily MBI practice improved psychotic symptoms (slope = 0.012, p = 0.033), functioning (slope = 0.013, p = 0.017), and insight (slope = 0.001, p = 0.043).

• Mixed-format interventions (individual plus group) had a greater effect on insight (g = 1.538) than individual-only MBIs (g = 0.889).

• MBIs with home assignments showed superior improvements in insight (g = 1.517) compared to those without (g = 0.787).

Mindfulness-based interventions resulted in highly significant improvements in psychotic symptoms, global functioning, insight, and mindfulness in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The most significant effects were obtained when MBIs had home assignments and mixed formats. MBIs should be considered by clinicians as a complementary treatment to improve the outcomes of patients with schizophrenia.

Reference:

Reangsing C, Wongsuraprakit S, Punsuwun S, Oerther S. Effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychotic symptoms and psychological outcomes in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2024 Nov 18;342:116272.