The relationship between mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

IntroductionMindfulness-based interventions have received growing attention over the last years for the treatment of various mental disorders, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), demonstrating their transdiagnostic validity. However, no study has examined the relationship of probable mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of mindfulness in SSD.ObjectivesThe current study examines the relationship between mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and quality of life in individuals with SSD through quantitative measures.MethodsA total of 83 participants with SSD were recruited at the in- and outpatient facility of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany. Participants completed the Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire, Comprehensive Inventory for Mindful Experiences, and Freiburger Mindfulness Inventory, the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. PROCESS analysis examined the relationship between mindfulness and quality of life and the mediating role of depression and anxiety.Results Indicated a significant positive association between mindfulness and physical health, psychological and environmental quality of life. Depression and anxiety were found to mediate this relationship, with higher depression and anxiety scores being related to lower mindfulness and quality of life. In this relationship, however, depression was found to be the stronger predictor.ConclusionsThe findings of this study provide insight into the mechanisms of mindfulness. Initial evidence for the transdiagnostic and process-based clinical relevance of MBIs for SSD has been found and future studies can further explore the role of mindfulness for central therapeutic processes of change by employing longitudinal designs.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Mechanisms of action and processes of yoga-based group intervention for inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders–A longitudinal qualitative study

“…These findings are in line with a recent systematic review (26) that proposed increased meta-cognitive awareness through mindfulness practice as an underlying mechanism of action for decreasing negative symptoms (124). Increased metacognition, as well as a furthered "knowledge about oneself " (125) and the capacity to distinguish oneself as separate from depressive and negative symptoms (e.g., negative thoughts), have shown to be effective in the treatment of SSD (126,127) In terms of a pluralistic psychiatric approach, YT could be an effective additional therapeutic option, as it promotes increased selfawareness and as self-efficacy. This could have a synergistic effect, increasing medication adherence, as impaired insight is one of the key drivers of medication non-adherence, contributing to impaired long-term functioning in SSD (128)(129)(130).…”