A systematic review and meta-analysis of eight articles (four independent studies, 334 participants) examined the effects of mindfulness training on anxiety and attention in adults diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder who completed an 8-week manualized program. Mindfulness training produced a large reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to inactive or non-specified controls, but not compared to active controls. Effects on depression, worry, and trait mindfulness were not statistically significant. Changes in aspects of trait mindfulness were found to mediate anxiety reduction. The evidence was limited by few studies, high risk of bias, and low certainty.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of five controlled trials (277 participants with elevated trait or generalized anxiety) examined the acute effects of a brief audio-based mindfulness induction on state anxiety and attention. Compared with non-therapeutic control conditions, mindfulness induction produced a medium reduction in state anxiety and a large increase in state mindfulness. Two studies comparing mindfulness to therapeutic active controls also showed small-to-moderate anxiety reductions, though results could not be pooled. Evidence for attention improvements was limited, with one study reporting changes in brain activity in the anterior cingulate cortex. State mindfulness partially mediated anxiety reductions. The small number of studies, high risk of bias, and low certainty of evidence qualify confidence in the findings.