Is mindfulness for psychosis harmful? Deconstructing a myth.
Kerem Böge1, Neil Thomas2, Pamela Jacobsen3
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; and Freie Universität Berlin; and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany.
Summary
Mindfulness therapies, used for depression and anxiety, may worsen psychosis. Research is exploring the suitability of these psychological therapies for individuals experiencing psychosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Mindfulness-based therapies are widely used for depression and anxiety.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential for mindfulness to exacerbate psychosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effectiveness and safety of mindfulness-based therapies for individuals with psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on mindfulness and psychosis.
- Analysis of existing research on psychological therapies for psychosis.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence suggests mindfulness can be effective for psychosis.
- Perceptions about suitability of psychological therapies for psychosis persist.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness-based therapies show promise for psychosis treatment.
- Further research is needed to address concerns and guide clinical practice.
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