Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in reducing negative symptoms among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 11 randomized controlled trials comprising 846 participants across diverse geographical regions. Studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases. All included studies measured outcomes using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative symptoms subscale. Mindfulness practice was significantly correlated with a reduction in negative symptoms compared to control conditions. Methodological quality was assessed using the Clinical Trial Assessment Measure (CTAM), with 8 of 11 studies demonstrating adequate methodological rigor (scores >65). The included interventions encompassed various mindfulness-based approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy, Integrated Coping Awareness Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the current evidence base for mindfulness-based interventions in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia, addressing methodological limitations of previous analyses through strict inclusion criteria and careful consideration of dataset independence. The findings offer important implications for clinical practice and future research directions in psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia.