Mindfulness groups for psychosis; key issues for implementation on an inpatient unit
Pamela Jacobsen1, Eric Morris, Louise Johns
1South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK. pamela.jacobsen@slam.nhs.uk
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Mindfulness groups are safe and effective for individuals with distressing psychosis. This study found mindfulness exercises to be feasible and well-tolerated in an inpatient setting for chronic psychosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests mindfulness groups are safe and therapeutic for individuals experiencing distressing psychosis.
- Chronic and treatment-resistant psychosis presents significant challenges in inpatient settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a mindfulness group intervention for individuals with chronic and treatment-resistant psychosis on an inpatient ward.
- To explore the acceptability and tolerability of mindfulness exercises within this specific clinical population.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week mindfulness group intervention was conducted.
- Eight participants with chronic and treatment-resistant psychosis on a specialist tertiary inpatient ward attended the group.
- Feasibility was assessed through participant engagement and feedback.
Main Results:
- Mindfulness exercises were found to be acceptable and well-tolerated by the participants.
- The study provides preliminary data on the feasibility of running such groups in an inpatient setting.
- Systemic challenges and participant experiences were documented and discussed.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness groups are a feasible and well-tolerated intervention for individuals with chronic and treatment-resistant psychosis in an inpatient setting.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic benefits and optimize delivery of mindfulness interventions for this population.
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