CompletedNot Applicable

Online MBCT for Adjustment Disorder During COVID-19: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and RCT

Poland301 participantsStarted 2020-05-25

Plain-language summary

This study tested a 4-week, internet-based Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program designed to help people experiencing adjustment disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjustment disorder is a stress-related condition that can cause anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping after major life changes. We compared the online MBCT program to two other groups: an internet-based relaxation training program and a wait-list group. A total of 301 adults from Poland took part. We measured symptoms of adjustment disorder, depression, and anxiety before the program, right after, and one month later. Results showed that the online MBCT program led to greater improvements in depression and anxiety than the other two groups. People in MBCT also developed more self-compassion and were better able to distance themselves from unhelpful thoughts, which helped reduce their symptoms. Benefits lasted at least one month after the program ended. These findings suggest that a brief, self-guided, online mindfulness program can be an effective, accessible way to support mental health during stressful times such as a pandemic.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Participants are required to be (a) at least 18 years old, (b) have access to the Internet, (c) currently experiencing some form of psychological distress related to COVID-19 pandemic, such as stress, anxiety, and/or low mood, and d) have the willingness to commit to a free online intervention program with two pre and post measurements online, within four weeks. Exclusion Criteria: (a) participating simultaneously in any pharmaceutical or psychosocial therapy, (b) if they were suffering from a current or lifetime psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse problem; (c) if they reported current suicidal tendencies, (d) if they did not meet criteria for Adjustment Disorder (less than 47,5 points in ADNM-20 questionnaire), (e) participated in the past or currently in any of 8 weeks mindfulness programs (e.g., MBSR, MBCT).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Adjustment Disorder symptoms

Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 4)

Remission Rates from Adjustment Disorder

Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 4)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07128017

SponsorUniversity of Warsaw

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-07-21

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Adjustment Disorder trials