Internet-based mindfulness treatment for anxiety disorders: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an unguided, Internet-based mindfulness treatment program for individuals with various anxiety disorders.
Results Summary
Participants in the mindfulness treatment group showed significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms compared to the control group, with large within-group effect sizes. They also achieved moderate improvements in quality of life.
Population
Individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (n=91).
Effective Dosage
96 audio files with mindfulness meditation exercises (specific frequency not detailed).
Duration
Duration not explicitly stated, but outcomes were assessed at pre-, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness treatment | decrease | symptoms of anxiety | participants of the MTG | Cohen's d(between)=0.36-0.99 | showed a larger decrease | #1 |
mindfulness treatment | decrease | symptoms of depression | participants of the MTG | Cohen's d(between)=0.36-0.99 | showed a larger decrease | #2 |
mindfulness treatment | decrease | symptoms of insomnia | participants of the MTG | Cohen's d(between)=0.36-0.99 | showed a larger decrease | #3 |
mindfulness treatment | decrease | symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia | participants of the MTG | d=0.82-1.58 | within effect sizes were large | #4 |
online discussion forum control | decrease | symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia | participants of the CG | d=0.45-0.76 | within effect sizes were small to moderate | #5 |
mindfulness treatment | increase | quality of life | participants of the MTG | moderate | achieved a moderate improvement | #6 |
Mindfulness-based interventions have proven effective for the transdiagnostic treatment of heterogeneous anxiety disorders. So far, no study has investigated the potential of mindfulness-based treatments when delivered remotely via the Internet. The current trial aims at evaluating the efficacy of a stand-alone, unguided, Internet-based mindfulness treatment program for anxiety. Ninety-one participants diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified were randomly assigned to a mindfulness treatment group (MTG) or to an online discussion forum control group (CG). Mindfulness treatment consisted of 96 audio files with instructions for various mindfulness meditation exercises. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed at pre-, posttreatment, and at 6-months follow-up. Participants of the MTG showed a larger decrease of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia from pre- to postassessment than participants of the CG (Cohen's d(between)=0.36-0.99). Within effect sizes were large in the MTG (d=0.82-1.58) and small to moderate in the CG (d=0.45-0.76). In contrast to participants of the CG, participants of the MTG also achieved a moderate improvement in their quality of life. The study provided encouraging results for an Internet-based mindfulness protocol in the treatment of primary anxiety disorders. Future replications of these results will show whether Web-based mindfulness meditation can constitute a valid alternative to existing, evidence-based cognitive-behavioural Internet treatments. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01577290).