Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

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.

Applied psychology. Health and well-being
May 1, 2024
Winnie W S Mak et al. (7 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMindfulnessFemaleMaleCognitive Behavioral TherapyAdultRumination, CognitiveDepressionAnxietyYoung AdultTreatment OutcomeInternetMiddle AgedFollow-Up StudiesInternet-Based Intervention
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy60/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations4
Citations/Year4.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score2.82
Normalized Score0.60
Related Supplements