Mindfulness as effective as CBT

For treatment of depression and anxiety, group mindfulness is as effective as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a Swedish study suggested.                                                              

The multi-centric study is the first to compare the efficacy of group mindfulness treatment with individual CBT among patients with anxiety and depression in primary healthcare setup.

Approximately 215 patients with 10 individuals per group were randomized to receive either individual CBT or group mindfulness treatment with private training programme. The patients were asked to maintain dairy to record their exercises schedule that lasted 8 weeks. Self-reported survey questionnaire was employed to assess the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, before and after treatment.

Significant decrease in anxiety symptoms in both groups, with no marked differences in terms of treatment efficacy was observed between two groups. If conducted by certified instructors, group mindfulness is as effective as individual CBT for treatment of depression and anxiety, the researchers noted.