Mindfulness- and acceptance-based programmes for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of anxiety disorders March 1, 2025 Johannes J Bürkle, Stefan Schmidt, Johannes C Fendel 7 citations
Mindfulness- and acceptance-based programmes (MABPs) produce large reductions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) severity, according to a meta-analysis of 46 trials involving 2221 patients. In randomized controlled trials, MABPs outperformed medication and waitlist controls but did not differ from cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure and response prevention. Depressive symptoms decreased with small to moderate effects, and improvements in anxiety, obsessive beliefs, and quality of life were moderate to large. Increases in mindfulness and psychological flexibility predicted OCD symptom reductions. Outcomes were not moderated by treatment duration or therapist characteristics. The authors call for more high-quality trials with long-term follow-ups to confirm the findings.