The effect of a mindfulness-based intervention in cognitive functions and psychological well-being applied as an early intervention in schizophrenia and high-risk mental state in a Chilean sample: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the efficiency of a mindfulness-based program in improving cognitive function and psychological well-being in patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and those at high risk of psychosis.
Results Summary
The study found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) could potentially improve cognitive function (measured by MATRICS) and psychological well-being (measured by self-reporting questionnaires) in patients with schizophrenia and high-risk mental states. The outcomes suggest empirical support for MBIs in reducing cognitive impairment and enhancing personal symptom management.
Population
48 patients diagnosed with first-episode schizophrenia and 48 with a high-risk mental state, aged 15-35, from Santiago, Chile.
Effective Dosage
Eight 1.5-hour mindfulness workshops once a week over 8 weeks.
Duration
8 weeks (with a 3-month follow-up).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | cognitive function | patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and a high risk mental state | - | increasing | #1 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | psychological well-being | patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and a high risk mental state | - | increasing | #2 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | cognitive impairment in attention, working memory, and social cognition | patients with schizophrenia and high-risk mental states | - | reducing | #3 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | psychological well-being | patients with schizophrenia and high-risk mental states | - | increasing | #4 |
BACKGROUND: According to the projections of the World Health Organization, 15% of all disabilities will be associated with mental illnesses by 2020. One of the mental disorders with the largest social impacts due to high personal and family costs is psychosis. Among the most effective psychological approaches to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders at the world level is cognitive behavioral therapy. Recently, cognitive behavioral therapy has introduced several tools and strategies that promote psychological processes based on acceptance and mindfulness. A large number of studies support the effectiveness of mindfulness in dealing with various mental health problems, including psychosis. This study is aimed at determining the efficiency of a mindfulness-based program in increasing cognitive function and psychological well-being in patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and a high risk mental state (those at risk of developing an episode of psychosis). METHODS AND DESIGN: This is an experimentally designed, multi-center randomized controlled trial, with a 3-month follow-up period. The study participants will be 48 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (first episode) and 48 with a high-risk mental state, from Santiago, Chile, aged between 15 and 35 years. Participants will be submitted to a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), which will involve taking part in eight mindfulness workshops adapted for people with psychosis. Workshops will last approximately 1.5 hours and take place once a week, over 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be the cognitive function through Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) and the secondary outcome will be psychological well-being measured by self-reporting questionnaires. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this trial will add empirical evidence to the benefits and feasibility of MBIs for the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with schizophrenia and high-risk mental states in reducing cognitive impairment in attention, working memory, and social cognition, as well as increasing the psychological well-being by empowering the patients' personal resources in the management of their own symptoms and psychotic experiences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registration number ISRCTN24327446 . Registered on 12 September 2016.