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The MAC-P program: A pilot study of a mindfulness and compassion program for youth with psychotic experiences.

Early intervention in psychiatry
October 1, 2021
Tara Hickey et al. (4 authors)
Controlled Clinical TrialJournal ArticleHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical utility of a mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) for youth with psychotic experiences.

Results Summary

The MAC-P showed feasibility and acceptability, with significant improvements in self-compassion, mindfulness, distress reduction (psychosis, anxiety, depression, stress), functioning, and insecure attachment styles. Self-compassion was linked to many positive outcomes.

Population

Youth meeting criteria for 'at risk mental state,' experiencing a psychotic episode, or with a recent schizophrenia diagnosis.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

8 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (10)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
increase
self-compassion
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
large
large significant increase
#1
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
increase
mindfulness
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
positive change over time
#2
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
increase
acting with awareness
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
large
large significant effect
#3
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
decrease
distress associated with psychotic experiences
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant reductions
#4
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
decrease
anxiety
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant reductions
#5
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
decrease
depression
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant reductions
#6
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
decrease
stress
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant reductions
#7
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
decrease
self-criticism
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant reductions
#8
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
increase
functioning
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant improvements
#9
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P)
decrease
insecure attachment styles
youth with a range of psychotic experiences
-
significant improvements
#10
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability and the potential clinical utility of a novel mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) designed for youth with a range of psychotic experiences. METHOD: A non-randomised, non-controlled prospective follow-up study was conducted. Eighteen participants who either met criteria for the 'at risk mental state' or were experiencing a psychotic episode or had a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia attended the 8-week program. Participants completed clinical assessments pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 6-week follow-up which measured a range of symptoms (psychosis, anxiety, depression and stress) and psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS: Attendance and retention data indicated that MAC-P is a feasible and acceptable program. There was a large significant increase in self-compassion. Mindfulness demonstrated a positive change over time. There was a large significant effect on one subscale-acting with awareness. There were significant reductions in distress associated with psychotic experiences as well as anxiety, depression, stress and self-criticism. Significant improvements in functioning and insecure attachment styles were also found. Regression results demonstrated that self-compassion was associated with a number of these findings. CONCLUSION: The MAC-P for youth shows potential as a clinically effective intervention provided as an addition to treatment as usual for youth with psychotic experiences. A larger controlled study is needed to validate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdolescentEmpathyFollow-Up StudiesHumansMindfulnessPilot ProjectsProspective Studies
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality65/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations5
Citations/Year1.3
Relative Citation Ratio0.83
NIH Percentile43.4%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score2.08
Normalized Score0.67
Related Supplements
The MAC-P program: A pilot study of a mindfulness and compas... | Panacea Index