Abstract
Recent meta-analyses point towards the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the treatment of various psychopathologies, particularly anxiety and depression. However, there is a scarcity of research investigating whether mindfulness is an effective treatment for psychosis. This chapter assesses the state of the art of mindfulness applications for the treatment of psychosis and undertakes an analysis and review of both the quantitative and qualitative literature. Quantitative research findings indicate that MBIs lead to an increase in mindfulness competency and quality of life, as well as a reduction in negative symptoms. Meanwhile, qualitative studies indicate that MBIs are well-accepted by patients and play an important role in the way that they relate to and cope with their symptoms. However, despite these promising outcomes, there are several methodological limitations that suggest findings should be treated with caution. Furthermore, although there is currently no data to support an iatrogenic effect of the application of MBIs in psychosis, further empirical examination of this issue is required.
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AIL is supported by the Chilean National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development, PAI, Project N° 8213005 and by the Fund for Innovation and Competitiveness (FIC) of the Chilean Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism, through the Millennium Scientific Initiative, Grant N° IS130005.
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Langer, Á.I., Carmona-Torres, J.A., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E. (2016). Mindfulness for the Treatment of Psychosis: State of the Art and Future Developments. In: Shonin, E., Gordon, W., Griffiths, M. (eds) Mindfulness and Buddhist-Derived Approaches in Mental Health and Addiction. Advances in Mental Health and Addiction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22255-4_10
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