Mindfulness Development via Biofeedback for Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Background:

• Anxiety disorders are common and impactful mental health conditions.
• Maintaining mindfulness during remission presents challenges, driving interest in integrative treatments.
• Biofeedback (BFB) is explored as an adjunct to enhance psychological resources like mindfulness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of adding biofeedback (BFB) to standard treatment for anxiety disorders.
• To assess changes in anxiety symptom severity and mindfulness skills.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with inpatients diagnosed with anxiety disorders (ICD10 F40/F41).
• Three groups: biofeedback (BFB), medication therapy (MT) with escitalopram, and combined therapy (CT: BFB + MT).
• Primary outcomes measured using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) at baseline, 10 days, and 1-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both BFB and CT groups showed significantly greater reduction in HAM-A scores compared to the MT group (p < 0.0005).
• BFB and CT groups demonstrated significant increases in mindfulness scores, while the MT group showed a decrease (p < 0.000001).
• Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis confirmed the robustness of findings.

Conclusions:

• Biofeedback (BFB) is a promising intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms.
• BFB effectively enhances mindfulness skills, suggesting its utility in comprehensive anxiety disorder treatment.
• Further research into BFB as a component of anxiety disorder therapy is warranted.