Mindfulness for Psychosis Groups; Within-Session Effects on Stress and Symptom-Related Distress in Routine Community Care.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the within-session effects of mindfulness meditation on general stress and symptom-related distress in individuals with enduring psychotic symptoms.
Results Summary
The study found that average ratings of general stress and symptom-related distress decreased from pre- to post-session across all eight sessions, with no increases in distress reported. However, not all differences were statistically significant.
Population
Users of a secondary mental health service with enduring psychotic symptoms (n = 34).
Effective Dosage
Mindfulness meditations were limited to 10 minutes per session.
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness for psychosis group | decrease | general stress | users of a secondary mental health service who experienced enduring psychotic symptoms | - | decreased | #1 |
mindfulness for psychosis group | decrease | symptom-related distress | users of a secondary mental health service who experienced enduring psychotic symptoms | - | decreased | #2 |
mindfulness for psychosis group | no change | general stress | users of a secondary mental health service who experienced enduring psychotic symptoms | - | no increase | #3 |
mindfulness for psychosis group | no change | symptom-related distress | users of a secondary mental health service who experienced enduring psychotic symptoms | - | no increase | #4 |
BACKGROUND: There is an emerging evidence base that mindfulness for psychosis is a safe and effective intervention. However, empirical data on the within-session effects of mindfulness meditation was hitherto lacking. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of taking part in a mindfulness for psychosis group, using a within-session self-report measure of general stress, and symptom-related distress. METHOD: Users of a secondary mental health service (n = 34), who experienced enduring psychotic symptoms, took part in an 8-week mindfulness for psychosis group in a community setting. Mindfulness meditations were limited to 10 minutes and included explicit reference to psychotic experience arising during the practice. Participants self-rated general stress, and symptom-related distress, before and after each group session using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Average ratings of general stress and symptom-related distress decreased from pre- to post-session for all eight sessions, although not all differences were statistically significant. There was no increase in general stress, or symptom-related distress across any session. CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence of positive effects and no evidence of any harmful effects arising from people with psychotic symptoms taking part in a mindfulness for psychosis session.