Effect of Mindfulness Training Techniques on Anxiety among Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major contributor to the global disease burden and one of the top causes of disability globally. Depression negatively impacts patients, their families, and the entire community with serious economic, social, and health consequences. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of mindfulness training techniques on anxiety among patients with major depressive disorder. Subjects and method: The current study used a quasi-experimental research design [one group pretest - posttest] with a sample of 60 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder admitted to Psychiatry Inpatient Department at Mansoura University Hospital. Three tools were used to gather the data: socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data sheet, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scale. Results: This study's findings showed that, prior to using the mindfulness training technique, over half (51.7%) of the patients experienced severe depression. Additionally, over half (53.3%) of the patients in the study exhibited a moderate level of anxiety. At the end of eight weeks of intervention, the mindfulness training techniques were associated with significant decreases in the severity of symptoms associated with depression (p ≤0.001). Also, results showed significantly alleviating anxiety symptoms from pre- to post-intervention (p ≤0.001). In conclusion, using a mindfulness training program with patients who are depressed help them feel less anxious and depressed. It is recommended that mindfulness training practices be used as a therapeutic intervention to lower anxiety and depression levels for all patients with depression. Moreover, further studies will be recommended to measure the effect of mindfulness interventions in the long run.