Brief adjunctive mindfulness-based cognitive therapy via Telehealth for anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of brief mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results Summary
The study found that brief MBCT was feasible and acceptable, with high retention, good compliance, and significant improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, and reductions in anxiety symptoms and transdiagnostic processes. Participants recommended extending the intervention beyond four sessions.
Population
Patients with anxiety receiving telehealth treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective Dosage
Four 75- to 90-minute sessions.
Duration
Four sessions (exact timeline not specified).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | increase | mindfulness | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | significant improvements | #1 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | increase | self-compassion | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | significant improvements | #2 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | intolerance of uncertainty | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | reductions | #3 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | anxiety sensitivity | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | reductions | #4 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | distress intolerance | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | reductions | #5 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | emotion dysregulation | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | reductions | #6 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | anxiety symptoms | patients (N = 15) with anxiety disorders | - | reductions | #7 |
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While cognitive-behavioral therapy is a highly efficacious treatment for anxiety, additional research is needed to identify adjunctive interventions that may augment treatment outcome. DESIGN: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted an open feasibility trial of brief (i.e., four 75- to 90-minute sessions) mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for anxiety via telehealth for patients ( METHODS: Self-report measures of home practice compliance (weekly), intervention acceptability (post-intervention), mindfulness and self-compassion, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and transdiagnostic processes (pre- and post-intervention) were administered as part of routine clinical practice. RESULTS: Results indicated good retention and attendance rates, few technical difficulties, good home practice compliance, and high levels of perceived importance. Participants indicated that they would highly recommend the group to others and also recommended extending the group beyond four sessions. There were significant improvements in mindfulness and self-compassion and reductions in intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity, distress intolerance, emotion dysregulation, and anxiety symptoms from pre- to post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Brief MBCT as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety via telehealth is feasible and acceptable, and shows promise in terms of engaging treatment targets and transdiagnostic processes and reducing anxiety symptoms.