The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depression, PTSD, and mindfulness among military veterans: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies with 1,131 participants found that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) reduces depressive and PTSD symptoms with medium effect sizes in veterans, both within and between groups. MBSR also showed small improvements in mindfulness at post-intervention. Treatment effects for depression and mindfulness were maintained at follow-up between groups, but PTSD symptom reductions were not. No significant differences emerged between MBSR and cognitive behavioural therapy or person-centred group therapy for any outcome.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Thirteen studies were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis with 1131 participants. Both within- and between-group comparisons demonstrated reductions in depressive and PTSD symptoms with medium effect sizes post MBSR intervention. Additionally, MBSR demonstrated small effects in improving mindfulness in veterans at post-intervention. Maintenance of treatment effects were observed at follow-up for the three outcomes during within-group comparisons. Treatment effects were maintained at follow-up between-groups for depression and mindfulness, but not for PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between MBSR and cognitive behavioural therapy/person-centred group therapy intervention groups in the three outcomes.