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An Overview of the Research on Mindfulness‐Based Interventions for Treating Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review
Author(s) -
Banks Kirsty,
Newman Emily,
Saleem Jannat
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.22200
Subject(s) - mindfulness , psycinfo , cinahl , psychological intervention , psychology , clinical psychology , medline , posttraumatic stress , distress , psychotherapist , systematic review , psychiatry , political science , law
Objective This systematic review aimed to collate and evaluate the existing research for the use of mindfulness‐based approaches to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our primary objectives were to explore the effects of mindfulness‐based approaches on PTSD symptoms and associated psychological distress, with secondary objectives to explore the attrition rate, adverse effects, resource implications, and long‐term effects of such interventions. Method We systematically searched research databases, EMBASE, OVID MedLine, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and PILOTS, contacted relevant authors in the field, and conducted a hand search of relevant papers. Results The search resulted in 12 studies that met eligibility criteria, many of which studies lacked methodological rigor. The majority of the studies indicated positive outcomes with improvements in PTSD symptoms, particularly in reducing avoidance. Conclusions The preliminary evidence for the use of mindfulness‐based approaches to treat PTSD symptoms is encouraging, although further studies with a more robust research design are required.