For hard-to-treat depression, group mindfulness can make a difference
About half of patients continue to experience significant symptoms of depression after completing a typical course of therapy.
Barnhofer et al. examined the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Researchers examined 234 patients who met clinical criteria for depression after at least 12 therapy sessions.
MBCT was delivered through eight weekly group sessions over videoconference. All participants continued existing treatment, including medication and other mental health services.
After 34 weeks, individuals in the MBCT group reported significantly lower depression scores compared to the control group. About 27% of MBCT participants met criteria for recovery, which was nearly double the 15% in the TAU-only group. MBCT also reduced overall healthcare costs by $331 per person, suggesting it may be a cost-effective option for care.
While the study shows promise, the authors note limitations, including the lack of long-term follow-up and a predominantly White and female demographic.
References:
Barnhofer, T., Dunn, B. D., Strauss, C.,...Warren, F. C. (2025). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus treatment as usual after non-remission with NHS Talking Therapies high-intensity psychological therapy for depression: A UK-based clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness randomised, controlled, superiority trial. The Lancet Psychiatry.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(25)00105-1/fulltext
Found in: https://goamra.org/news/13515072
Online Mindfulness Shows Promise for Treating Anxiety
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many mental health treatments, including mindfulness programs, have moved online. Hoge et al. explored the efficacy of Zoom-based mindfulness programs by comparing four groups of patients with clinical anxiety disorders. The main outcome measured was self-reported anxiety, along with other symptoms like panic and social anxiety.
The study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) delivered over Zoom was just as effective as the in-person format in reducing general anxiety symptoms. However, for participants struggling with social anxiety, the in-person group showed greater improvements than those attending virtually.
People who took medication over Zoom saw bigger improvements in panic symptoms and felt more satisfied with their treatment than those who did mindfulness online. Meanwhile, people in the in-person mindfulness group practiced more at home, and the more they practiced, the better they felt.
Zoom-based mindfulness can be a helpful and convenient option, especially for those who face barriers to in-person treatment, but it may not be equally effective for all types of anxiety.
References:
Hoge, E. A., Mete, M., Baker, A. W., Szuhany, K. L., Armstrong, C. H., Steinberg, M. H., Dutton, M. A., Bui, E., & Simon, N. M. (2025). A randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness to escitalopram for anxiety: In-person and remote, synchronous delivery pre and post COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Affective Disorders.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.145
Found in: https://goamra.org/news/13511351