Web-based mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (CBT-M) shows promise for treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in appearance. In an 8-week pilot trial with 28 adults, both CBT-M and standard web-based CBT led to significant improvements in BDD symptoms, depression, and pain, with large effect sizes: BDD severity (d=-0.96), depression (d=-1.06), and pain interference (d=-1.28). While no significant differences emerged between groups, mindfulness may enhance the benefits of internet-delivered CBT for BDD.
An 8-week online mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy program for students reduced depression, anxiety, and perceived stress while improving quality of life compared to a waitlist control. The intervention's benefits were partly explained by increased mindful non-reactivity—the ability to let thoughts and feelings pass without reacting—which then reduced anxiety and depression, which in turn lowered stress and improved quality of life. Direct effects showed depression scores dropped by 1.65 points, anxiety by 3.29 points, perceived stress by 2.28 points, and quality of life rose by 4.07 points, all statistically significant. The findings highlight mindful non-reactivity as a key mechanism driving improvements.