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Internet-based mindfulness treatment for anxiety disorders: a randomized controlled trial
Johanna Boettcher1, Viktor Aström2, Daniel Påhlsson2
1Stockholm University and Freie Universitaet Berlin.
Behavior Therapy
|February 5, 2014
Summary
Internet-based mindfulness treatment significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms in individuals with anxiety disorders. This online program offers a promising, accessible alternative for mental health care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Mindfulness-based interventions are effective for anxiety disorders.
- No studies have evaluated remote, Internet-based mindfulness treatments for anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a stand-alone, unguided, Internet-based mindfulness treatment program for anxiety disorders.
Main Methods:
- 91 participants with anxiety disorders were randomized to a mindfulness treatment group (MTG) or an online discussion forum control group (CG).
- Mindfulness treatment involved 96 audio files of meditation exercises.
- Outcomes were assessed at pre-, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The MTG showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms compared to the CG.
- Large within-group effect sizes were observed in the MTG (d=0.82-1.58).
- The MTG also demonstrated moderate improvements in quality of life.
Conclusions:
- An Internet-based mindfulness protocol is effective for treating primary anxiety disorders.
- Web-based mindfulness meditation may be a viable alternative to existing Internet-based cognitive-behavioral treatments.
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