Mindfulness in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Pediatric reports May 14, 2025 Bruno Daniel Carneiro, Daniel Humberto Pozza, José Tiago Costa-Pereira et al. 6 citations
A review of thirteen randomized clinical trials found that the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety, depression, and stress in children and adolescents remains uncertain due to highly variable results. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction showed a small positive effect on depression and anxiety, while non-specific mindfulness-based interventions showed a moderate positive effect on both. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy was effective in reducing anxiety and depression (moderate positive effects) and stress symptoms. However, one study found no significant improvements for anxiety and depression with MBCT, and another found no improvement for anxiety with MBCT/MBSR. The meta-analysis did not identify a significant overall effect on depression or anxiety. High heterogeneity suggests outcomes depend on intervention type, duration, and moderating factors like age.