Efficacy of Online Mindfulness Program ‘Mindful Senses’ for Depression and Anxiety Reduction in Community Samples: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of the minimal therapist-guided four-week online audio-based mindfulness program titled ‘Mindful Senses’ (MS) for depression and anxiety reduction in community samples. Materials and Methods: This open-label randomized controlled trial enrolled 80 participants from across Thailand. The authors randomly allocated 40 subjects each to the intervention and control groups. The authors included people aged 18 years or older with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score of 9 or more or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score of 10 or more. Both groups received four psychological self-help articles online. Only the intervention group attended the MS program. The outcomes were PHQ-9, GAD-7, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) scores measured at baseline (T0) post-intervention (T1) and one-month follow-up (T2). Repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the outcomes. Results: The intervention group showed significantly improved PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS, and PHLMS scores compared to the controls at T1 [intention-to-treat mean difference (95% CI): –6.97 (–9.23 to –4.72), p<0.001, d=1.38; –5.27 (–7.32 to –3.23), p<0.001, d=1.14; –5.85 (–8.10 to –3.60), p<0.001, d=1.16; 9.15 (5.47 to 12.83), p<0.001, d=1.11, respectively], and T2 [intention-to-treat mean difference (95% CI): –5.27 (–7.55 to –3.00), p<0.001, d=1.03; –5.20 (–7.29 to –3.11), p<0.001, d=1.11; –5.43 (–8.21 to –2.64), p<0.001, d=0.87; 8.68 (4.90 to 12.45), p<0.001, d=1.02, respectively]. Conclusion: The MS program improved depression, anxiety, stress, and mindfulness in community samples, and those effects were preserved for one-month post-intervention. It has the potential to be another highly effective treatment option for people suffering from depression or anxiety who face barriers to accessing mental health facilities.