Mindfulness-based therapy in adults with an autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a modified Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT-AS) could reduce depression, anxiety, and rumination while increasing positive affect in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Results Summary
The study found that MBT-AS significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and rumination in the intervention group compared to the control group, and also increased positive affect in the intervention group.
Population
High-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
9 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) | decrease | anxiety and depression symptoms | - | - | has been found effective in reducing | #1 |
a modified MBT protocol (MBT-AS) | decrease | depression | high-functioning adults with ASD | - | showed a significant reduction in | #2 |
a modified MBT protocol (MBT-AS) | decrease | anxiety | high-functioning adults with ASD | - | showed a significant reduction in | #3 |
a modified MBT protocol (MBT-AS) | decrease | rumination | high-functioning adults with ASD | - | showed a significant reduction in | #4 |
a modified MBT protocol (MBT-AS) | increase | positive affect | high-functioning adults with ASD | - | positive affect increased | #5 |
Research shows that depression and anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric concern in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) has been found effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, however research in autism is limited. Therefore, we examined the effects of a modified MBT protocol (MBT-AS) in high-functioning adults with ASD. 42 participants were randomized into a 9-week MBT-AS training or a wait-list control group. Results showed a significant reduction in depression, anxiety and rumination in the intervention group, as opposed to the control group. Furthermore, positive affect increased in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Concluding, the present study is the first controlled trial to demonstrate that adults with ASD can benefit from MBT-AS.