Cited by 55Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesDigital Mental Health Interventions

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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Ghahari, S, Mohammadi-Hasel, K, Malakouti, SK, Roshanpajouh, M·2020·East Asian Archives of Psychiatry

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has harmful effects on physical and mental health and quality of life. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a treatment option for GAD. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of MBCT on GAD. METHODS: Two authors independently performed the eligibility, quality assessment, and data extraction processes, and consensus was reached in case of discrepancies. Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies (randomised controlled trials, randomised trials, cluster randomised controlled trials, and clinical trials) up to November 2018 using keywords: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy OR mindfulness based cognitive therapy OR MBCT AND general anxiety disorder OR GAD*. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the revised Jadad scale. Cohen's formula was used to determine the effect size based on the mean and standard deviation of the changes in the study groups before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Six studies that compared the effectiveness between MBCT and controls were included for analysis. The mean revised Jadad score of the six studies was 4.3 (range, 3-6). The overall mean effect size was -0.65. The funnel plot of effect sizes in relation to the effect size standard error showed a symmetrical distribution. Compared with controls, MBCT significantly improved the treatment outcome of GAD in all studies, except one. CONCLUSION: MBCT was effective for treating GAD.

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  • In a meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials for generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, mindfulness-based interventions had lower post-intervention symptoms than nonactive controls in all studies except one, with g = -0.65 (95% CI -0.97 to -0.32).

    “in one meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for GAD symptoms [57], compared with nonactive controls (including no treatment, open trials, education, TAU), MBIs had lower post-intervention symptoms in all studies except one (g = −0.65, 95% CI [−0.97, −0.32]) [58].”

    From Psychotherapeutic treatments for generalized anxiety disorder: cognitive and behavioral therapies, enhancement strategies, and emerging efforts (2022) · cites this paper as [58]

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  • Previous systematic reviews of MBSR, MBCT, and ACT suggest significant greater effects in comparison to usual care and comparable effects to CBT for patients with manifest anxiety disorders.

    “For patients with manifest anxiety disorders, previous systematic reviews of MBSR, MBCT, and ACT with and without meta-analysis suggest significant greater effects in comparison to usual care and comparable effects to CBT but used outdated methodology or focused on single anxiety disorders, mixed anxiety/obsessive–compulsive and depressive syndromes, or elderly patients/children21–26.”

    From A systematic review and meta-analysis of acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for DSM-5 anxiety disorders (2021) · cites this paper as [26]

    The Abstract and Discussion (page not provided) report that MBCT improved outcomes for generalised anxiety disorder compared with controls. The Discussion says those controls varied between no intervention and other treatments; it does not establish a specific advantage over usual care or comparable effects to CBT. This review also does not assess MBSR or ACT. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Mennin DS, Heimberg RG, Turk CL. Clinical presentation and diagnostic features. In: Heimberg RG, Turk CL, Mennin DS, editors. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Advances in Research and Practice. Guilford Press: 2004: 3-28.
  2. Bayrami M, Movahedi Y, Alizadeh GJ. The effectiveness of cognition- based mindfulness therapy on the reduction of social anxiety and dysfunctional attitude in adolescents. Soc Cogn 2015;4:41-52.

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Authors
Ghahari, S., Mohammadi-Hasel, K., Malakouti, S., & Roshanpajouh, M.
Affiliations
  • Islamic Azad University Roudehen Branch (IR)
  • Iran University of Medical Sciences (IR)
Corresponding author
Roshanpajouh, M
Venue
East Asian Archives of Psychiatry
Published
2020-06-30
Volume
30
Issue
2
Pages
52-56
ISSN
2078-9947 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3040146092
Cited by
55
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 2
FWCI
0.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • East Asian Archives of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Keywords
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, generalized anxiety disorder, treatment effectiveness, psychological intervention, anxiety disorder treatment
MeSH terms
Anxiety Disorders, Humans, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness

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