Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Recovery Phase of Schizophrenia
H. C. ZhangIntroduction
Background: Individuals in the recovery phase of schizophrenia often face persistent challenges including residual symptoms, emotional dysregulation, cognitive deficits, and high relapse rates. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), effective in mood disorders, shows promise as an adjunctive intervention but requires rigorous evaluation in schizophrenia recovery.Background: Individuals in the recovery phase of schizophrenia often face persistent challenges including residual symptoms, emotional dysregulation, cognitive deficits, and high relapse rates. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), effective in mood disorders, shows promise as an adjunctive intervention but requires rigorous evaluation in schizophrenia recovery.
Objectives
This study examined the efficacy of MBCT in improving psychological functioning and reducing relapse risk among individuals with schizophrenia during the recovery phase.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 80 clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Participants were assigned to either an 8-week MBCT program plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n=40) or TAU alone (n=40). Primary outcomes included relapse rates (measured over 12 months), symptom severity (PANSS, SANS), and mindfulness skills (FFMQ). Secondary outcomes encompassed depression/anxiety (HADS), cognitive functioning (MoCA), and quality of life (SQLS). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and 6/12-month follow-ups.
Results
The MBCT group demonstrated significantly lower relapse rates (15% vs. 37.5%, p<0.01) and greater reductions in negative symptoms (SANS: p=0.003) and emotional distress (HADS-depression: p=0.008) compared to TAU at 12 months. Significant improvements in mindfulness skills (FFMQ-Observe, p<0.001; FFMQ-Nonreact, p=0.002), attention regulation (MoCA, p=0.015), and quality of life (SQLS, p=0.004) were also observed post-intervention and sustained at follow-up. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusions
MBCT is a feasible and effective adjunctive therapy for individuals recovering from schizophrenia, enhancing mindfulness, mitigating negative symptoms and emotional distress, improving cognitive function, and reducing relapse risk. Integration of MBCT into recovery-phase care may promote long-term stability and functional outcomes.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared