Efficacy of Internet-based rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based intervention with guided support in reducing risks of depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the efficacy of Internet-based mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) with rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT) and psychoeducation (EDU) in reducing rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms among at-risk individuals.
Results Summary
The study found that MBI showed similar levels of improvement in rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms compared to RFCBT and EDU, with no significant long-term effect on rumination at the 9-month follow-up. All three conditions demonstrated comparable reductions in risks and symptoms, suggesting MBI was not superior to the control.
Population
256 at-risk individuals with rumination and worry as common risk factors for depression and anxiety.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 weeks (post-intervention assessment), with follow-ups at 3 and 9 months.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet-based rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT) | decrease | rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms | 256 at-risk individuals | - | similar levels of improvement | #1 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms | 256 at-risk individuals | - | similar levels of improvement | #2 |
psychoeducation (EDU) control | decrease | rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms | 256 at-risk individuals | - | similar levels of improvement | #3 |
Internet-based rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT) | decrease | rumination | participants in RFCBT | - | a significant reduction | #4 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | no change | rumination | participants in MBI | - | no significant long-term effect | #5 |
Internet-based rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT) | decrease | risks and symptoms | 256 at-risk individuals | - | similar reductions | #6 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | risks and symptoms | 256 at-risk individuals | - | similar reductions | #7 |
psychoeducation (EDU) control | decrease | risks and symptoms | 256 at-risk individuals | - | similar reductions | #8 |
Rumination and worry are common risk factors of depression and anxiety. Internet-based transdiagnostic interventions targeting individuals with these specific risks may be an effective way to prevent depression and anxiety. This three-arm randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Internet-based rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT), mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), and psychoeducation (EDU) control among 256 at-risk individuals. Participants' levels of rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms were assessed at post-intervention (6 weeks), 3-month, and 9-month follow-ups. Linear mixed model analysis results showed similar levels of improvement in all outcomes across the three conditions. Changes in rumination differed comparing RFCBT and MBI, where a significant reduction in rumination was noted at a 3-month follow-up among participants in RFCBT, and no significant long-term effect among participants in MBI was noted at a 9-month follow-up. All three conditions showed similar reductions in risks and symptoms, implying that the two active interventions were not superior to EDU control. The high attrition at follow-ups suggested a need to exercise caution when interpreting the findings. Future studies should tease apart placebo effect and identify ways to improve adherence.