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Internet-based mindfulness treatment for anxiety disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

Behavior therapy
March 1, 2014
Johanna Boettcher et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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).

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAnxiety DisordersDepressionFemaleHumansInternetMaleMindfulnessQuality of LifeSleep Initiation and Maintenance DisordersTherapy, Computer-AssistedYoung Adult
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations122
Citations/Year11.1
Relative Citation Ratio6.00
NIH Percentile94.8%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score1.85
Normalized Score0.70
Related Supplements
Internet-based mindfulness treatment for anxiety disorders: ... | Panacea Index