Mindfulness-based intervention reduce interference of negative stimuli to working memory in individuals with subclinical depression: A randomized controlled fMRI study.
International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP – January 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combined with loving-kindness meditation (LKM) significantly enhances executive function in individuals with subthreshold depression. In a study involving 42 participants, those receiving MBCT+LKM exhibited greater brain activation in the left lingual gyrus and right inferior lateral occipital cortex during emotional tasks. Additionally, resting state connectivity improved in key brain regions linked to cognitive control. These findings indicate that MBCT+LKM may effectively reduce negative emotional responses and attentional biases towards negative stimuli in this vulnerable population.
Abstract
Individuals with subclinical depression are prone to major depression and experience emotional responses and attentional biases to negative stimuli. In a randomized controlled study (N = 42) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined the neurocognitive mechanisms behind mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combining loving-kindness meditation (LKM) on a group with subclinical depression compared with the relaxation group across emotional face n-back (EFNBACK) tasks and resting state. We also collected behavioral and self-reported data to confirm neurocognitive results. During EFNBACK, the MBCT+LKM group showed greater activation in the left lingual gyrus and right inferior lateral occipital cortex. During rest, the MBCT+LKM group demonstrated increased connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex and right inferior lateral occipital cortex, right anterior insula and left precentral gyrus. From amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) data, activity in brain regions associated with cognitive control decreased and activity in brain regions associated with sensorimotor increased. These results suggest that MBCT+LKM alleviate depression for subclinical individuals through improving executive function when they face negative stimuli.