British Medical Bulletin
April 21, 2021
Dexing Zhang, Kam-Pui Lee, E Mák et al.
638 citations
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective for improving depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, weight control, cancer-related symptoms, and prosocial behaviors. Benefits appear in healthcare, schools, and workplaces, though further research is needed on their efficacy for different problems. Evidence is inconclusive or preliminary for PTSD, ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, loneliness, and physical symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Many systematic reviews note low quality in included studies, so high-quality trials with adequate sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed. Promising areas for future research include online mindfulness training during the COVID-19 pandemic, deeper understanding of mechanisms, long-term compliance and effects, and personalized mindfulness programs.
BMC psychiatry
May 29, 2024
Bertha Sze Wing Mak, Dexing Zhang, Candice Ling Yuet Man Powell et al.
2 citations
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is being tested against an active control (Seeking Safety) for people with PTSD symptoms who do not meet full diagnostic criteria. The trial randomly assigns 160 participants to either MBCT or Seeking Safety, each delivered in eight weekly two-hour sessions. PTSD symptoms are measured at baseline, after treatment, and three months later using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, attention, avoidance, rumination, mindfulness, and coping skills. The study also examines whether attention, avoidance, and rumination explain how mindfulness affects PTSD symptoms. Results are expected to inform healthcare guidelines for PTSD.
BMJ mental health
February 1, 2026
Elvin Tsz-Fung Wong, Eric Kam-Pui Lee, Phoenix Kit-Han Mo et al.
Loneliness is common among Chinese older adults. A randomized controlled trial compared an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention for older adults (MBOA) with a social contact control (SCC) in 245 community-dwelling lonely adults aged 60 or older in Hong Kong. At 12 months, there was no significant difference in loneliness reduction between the two groups, though both improved (within-group effect size: MBOA -0.58, SCC -0.31). MBOA participants showed reduced depressive symptoms and a trend toward less anxiety at 6 months compared with SCC. The findings suggest MBOA is not superior to social contact for loneliness but may benefit psychological symptoms.