Mindfulness-based stress reduction in adolescents with mental disorders: A randomised clinical trial

• Published in: Psicothema Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 165 - 170
• Main Authors: Díaz-González, Mª C, Pérez Dueñas, Carolina, Sánchez-Raya, Araceli, Moriana Elvira, Juan A, Sánchez Vázquez, Vicente
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Spain Colegio Oficial De Psicologos Del Principado De Asturias 01.05.2018; Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos (PSICODOC)
• Subjects: Anxiety; Clinical trials; Health facilities; Mental disorders; Mental health; Mindfulness; Stress; Teenagers; España
• ISSN: 0214-9915; 1886-144X
• DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2017.259

Currently, there is a strong movement to implement mindfulness interventions with young people. The objective of this randomised clinical trial was to assess the potential effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for adolescent outpatients in mental health facilities in Cordoba, Spain. A total of 101 adolescents aged 13-16 years old, receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment for various disorders, were eligible for the study. The participants' scores on mindfulness, self-esteem, perceived stress, state-trait anxiety and other psychological symptoms were examined at two time-points. Eighty adolescents completed the study (MBSR+TAU group = 41; TAU group = 39). The MBSR+TAU group showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety state compared to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the other scores, but the intervention was observed to have a greater impact on the MBSR+TAU group than in the TAU group, especially in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, paranoia and perceived stress. These results suggest that MBSR may be a useful adjunct treatment for adolescents in mental health facilities.