Pilot randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based group intervention in adolescent girls at risk for type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescent girls at-risk for type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms and compare its efficacy to a cognitive-behavioral program in reducing depressive symptoms and improving insulin resistance.
Results Summary
The mindfulness-based intervention showed strong feasibility and acceptability, with greater reductions in depressive symptoms and better improvements in insulin resistance compared to the cognitive-behavioral program at post-treatment and six-month follow-up.
Population
Adolescent girls aged 12-17 with overweight/obesity, family history of diabetes, and elevated depressive symptoms.
Effective Dosage
Six, one-hour weekly group sessions.
Duration
Six weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based group | no change | feasibility and acceptability | adolescent girls at-risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with depressive symptoms | - | shows feasibility and acceptability | #1 |
mindfulness-based group | decrease | depressive symptoms | adolescents in the mindfulness condition | ps<.05 | had greater decreases in depressive symptoms than adolescents in the cognitive-behavioral condition | #2 |
mindfulness-based intervention | decrease | insulin resistance | adolescents in the mindfulness-based intervention | ps<.05 | had greater decreases in insulin resistance | #3 |
mindfulness-based intervention | decrease | fasting insulin | adolescents in the mindfulness-based intervention | ps<.05 | had greater decreases in fasting insulin | #4 |
mindfulness-based intervention | decrease | depressive symptoms | adolescents who received mindfulness | - | showed greater reductions in depressive symptoms | #5 |
mindfulness-based intervention | decrease | insulin resistance | adolescents who received mindfulness | - | showed better insulin resistance | #6 |
OBJECTIVE: (1) Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group in adolescent girls at-risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with depressive symptoms, and (2) compare efficacy of a mindfulness-based versus cognitive-behavioral group for decreasing depressive symptoms and improving insulin resistance. DESIGN AND SETTING: Parallel-group, randomized controlled pilot trial conducted at a university. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three girls 12-17y with overweight/obesity, family history of diabetes, and elevated depressive symptoms were randomized to a six-week mindfulness-based (n=17) or cognitive-behavioral program (n=16). INTERVENTIONS: Both interventions included six, one-hour weekly group sessions. The mindfulness-based program included guided mindfulness awareness practices. The cognitive-behavioral program involved cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adolescents were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and six-months. Feasibility/acceptability were measured by attendance and program ratings. Depressive symptoms were assessed by validated survey. Insulin resistance was determined from fasting insulin and glucose, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. RESULTS: Most adolescents attended ≥80% sessions (mindfulness: 92% versus cognitive-behavioral: 87%, p=1.00). Acceptability ratings were strong. At post-treatment and six-months, adolescents in the mindfulness condition had greater decreases in depressive symptoms than adolescents in the cognitive-behavioral condition (ps<.05). Compared to the cognitive-behavioral condition, adolescents in the mindfulness-based intervention also had greater decreases in insulin resistance and fasting insulin at post-treatment, adjusting for fat mass and other covariates (ps<.05). CONCLUSIONS: A mindfulness-based intervention shows feasibility and acceptability in girls at-risk for T2D with depressive symptoms. Compared to a cognitive-behavioral program, after the intervention, adolescents who received mindfulness showed greater reductions in depressive symptoms and better insulin resistance. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02218138 clinicaltrials.gov.