Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Psychosis

There has been growing interest in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for the treatment of psychosis, including schizophrenia. While pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy remain standard treatments, growing evidence highlights the importance of addressing trauma and environmental factors. Randomized controlled trials suggest that MBIs yield small-to-moderate improvements in positive and negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, insight, and overall functioning, with generally low dropout rates and minimal adverse effects when appropriately modified. Proposed mechanisms include creating mental space, acceptance, and loving-kindness. Although concerns about meditation-induced psychosis exist, structured and guided MBIs appear safe and promising adjunctive treatments for psychosis.