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.
A systematic review of 26 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness-based therapies and guided imagery (GI) can help manage chronic non-cancer pain. Mindfulness techniques significantly reduced pain intensity in six trials and improved non-sensory dimensions of pain (such as emotional distress) in ten trials. GI produced significant pain reduction in three trials and improved non-sensory outcomes in two trials. Four mindfulness trials reported significant reductions in opioid consumption, while one GI trial found a small effect. The review highlights Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) as a particularly promising approach for improving interoception. Most studies had moderate to high risk of bias.