Effectiveness of Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behaviour therapy for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in patients with common mental health conditions: a randomised controlled trial

INTERVENTION: This research explores MiCBT in a group intervention format comprising weekly two‐hour sessions for 8 weeks. The program is based on the published protocol described in "Mindfulness‐Integrated CBT, Principles and Practice", Cayoun, 2011 and is delivered by one psychologist to groups of 10‐15 participants. The intervention is administered in a psychology clinic. Attendance of participants at each session will be recorded and non‐attenders will be followed up. MiCBT integrates aspects of cognitive behaviour therapy with the teaching of mindfulness skills. The mindfulness exercises in the program focus strongly on body scanning techniques requiring daily practice exercises throughout the program. Stage 1 of the program develops self‐awareness, attention regulation, metacognitive and interoceptive awareness and response inhibition. Stages 2, 3, and 4, focus on exposure techniques, the application of skills to external and interpersonal contexts and managing avoidance. The impact of ethical and compassionate behaviour is addressed in stage 4. The development of interoceptive awareness with equanimity is considered to be a key aspect of the therapeutic process. CONDITION: Anxiety Depression Mental Health Condition Stress PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in clinical symptoms measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) Change in clinical symptoms measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). SECONDARY OUTCOME: Change in emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance measured by the appropriate sub‐scales of MSES‐R Change in interoceptive awareness measured by the Multi‐dimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MIAI) Change in interpersonal effectiveness, taking responsibility and social skills measured by appropriate sub‐scales of the MSES‐R Change in metacognitive awareness measured by the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ) Change in non‐ attachment and equanimity measured by the Non‐attachments Scale (NAS) Change in psychological well‐being as measured by the Flourishing scale (FS) Change in psychological well‐being as measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) INCLUSION CRITERIA: K10 score greater than or equal to 20 Referral from medical practitioner Fluent in English