A systematic review of ten studies examined whether mindfulness-based interventions improve autonomic nervous system function in people with medical conditions. Only oncology met the criteria for “possibly effective” based on clinical practice guidelines. Cardiac and chronic pain conditions showed some evidence of benefit in individual studies, but the overall level of evidence was insufficient to recommend MBIs for those groups. The review followed PRISMA protocols and used objective pre/post measures of autonomic function.
Depression is common in younger breast cancer patients and worsens outcomes. A randomized trial tested whether a mindfulness-based program (Mindful Awareness Practices, MAPs) or a psychoeducation program (Survivorship Education, SE) reduced depressive symptoms through specific psychological changes. Women under 50 with stage 0-III breast cancer were assigned to MAPs, SE, or a wait-list control. Both programs reduced depressive symptoms right after the 6-week intervention; only MAPs showed lasting reductions at 6 months. For MAPs, the effect was mediated by less rumination and fewer intrusive thoughts about cancer, plus greater self-kindness and a sense of meaning and peace. Worry mediated MAPs' effects only at postintervention. SE worked through reduced worry and intrusive thoughts at different time points. The findings clarify how mindfulness helps reduce depression in this group.