Mindfulness helps reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by improving how people regulate their emotions. In 162 patients receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy, decreases in rumination and increases in reappraisal and acceptance explained mindfulness's link to fewer depressive symptoms, while reductions in avoidance explained its link to fewer anxiety symptoms. Adding a brief mindfulness exercise at the start of each therapy session did not change these effects. The findings suggest distinct emotional pathways through which mindfulness alleviates depression versus anxiety.
An expert group developed guidelines for responsibly integrating mindfulness practices into individual therapy, informed by a literature review. Recommendations address types of integration, suitable diagnoses, therapist qualifications, case formulation, the inquiry process, optimal practice types and duration, managing difficult experiences, and training programs. The authors note that research on this topic is scarce, so the recommendations are tentative and intended to stimulate further discussion.