Mindfulness in severe and persistent mental illness: a systematic review

AbstractObjective: This systematic review summarises the current state of research on mindfulness in SPMI, given the pressing need to provide alternative, scalable and cost-effective treatment modalities for patients with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI).Methods: Articles included mindfulness-based interventions for SPMI. Excluded articles included qualitative studies, acceptance and compassion therapies, case reports and reviews. Studies were identified by searching the databases Medline, Embase and PsycINFO.Results: Six randomised controlled trials, seven prospective studies and one retrospective study were identified. Clinical improvements were observed on psychotic symptoms, and on improvements of depression symptoms, cognition, mindfulness, psycho-social and vocational factors.Conclusions: Findings suggest that mindfulness is feasible for individuals with SPMI, and displays potential benefits in outcomes aside from psychotic symptoms. The effects of mindfulness in psychotic symptoms needs ...