Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) may help reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, such as anhedonia, avolition, and asociality, while enhancing hope and purpose in life. Case studies illustrate how to conduct this group treatment, its potential benefits, and difficulties that may arise. LKM requires further empirical support but promises to be an important intervention given the limited treatments for negative symptoms.
A telephone-delivered mindfulness training program for informal caregivers of African Americans with dementia living in rural North Carolina was feasible and acceptable. Of those screened, 78% enrolled, 86% completed the study, and 88% attended at least six of eight weekly sessions. Caregivers reported reduced perceived burden and increased positive emotions from before to after the intervention. Both inhibitory and prospective intolerance of uncertainty also decreased. Participants valued the program, especially the telephone format. The findings suggest this approach may help reduce caregiver burden in underserved rural populations and warrants testing in a randomized trial.