Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. group psychoeducation for people with generalised anxiety disorder: randomised controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation versus usual care in reducing anxiety levels among participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Results Summary
Both MBCT and psychoeducation significantly reduced anxiety compared to usual care, with psychoeducation also showing benefits for worry, depressive symptoms, and mental health-related quality of life. The effects were statistically significant and clinically relevant.
Population
182 participants diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (8-week MBCT course mentioned, but exact dosage/frequency not detailed).
Duration
8 weeks (with follow-up assessments up to 5 months post-baseline and additional 6 months for intervention groups).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | anxiety | participants with GAD | - | significant group × time interaction effects for decreased anxiety | #1 |
cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation | decrease | anxiety | participants with GAD | - | significant group × time interaction effects for decreased anxiety | #2 |
cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation | decrease | worry | participants with GAD | - | significant group × time interaction effects were observed | #3 |
cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation | decrease | depressive symptoms | participants with GAD | - | significant group × time interaction effects were observed | #4 |
cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation | increase | mental health-related quality of life | participants with GAD | - | significant group × time interaction effects were observed | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Research suggests that an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course may be effective for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). AIMS: To compare changes in anxiety levels among participants with GAD randomly assigned to MBCT, cognitive-behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation and usual care. METHOD: In total, 182 participants with GAD were recruited (trial registration number: CUHK_CCT00267) and assigned to the three groups and followed for 5 months after baseline assessment with the two intervention groups followed for an additional 6 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety and worry levels. RESULTS: Linear mixed models demonstrated significant group × time interaction (F(4,148) = 5.10, P = 0.001) effects for decreased anxiety for both the intervention groups relative to usual care. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for worry and depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of life for the psychoeducation group only. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that both of the interventions appear to be superior to usual care for the reduction of anxiety symptoms.