Mindfulness-based stress reduction in adolescents with mental disorders: A randomised clinical trial

Currently, there is a strong movement to implement mindfulness interventions with young people. The objective of this randomised clinical trial was to assess the potential effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for adolescent outpatients in mental health facilities in Cordoba, Spain.

A total of 101 adolescents aged 13-16 years old, receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment for various disorders, were eligible for the study. The participants’ scores on mindfulness, self-esteem, perceived stress, state-trait anxiety and other psychological symptoms were examined at two time-points. Eighty adolescents completed the study (MBSR+TAU group = 41; TAU group = 39).

The MBSR+TAU group showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety state compared to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the other scores, but the intervention was observed to have a greater impact on the MBSR+TAU group than in the TAU group, especially in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, paranoia and perceived stress.

These results suggest that MBSR may be a useful adjunct treatment for adolescents in mental health facilities.