Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on alexithymia: a systematic review

• Published in: Evidence-based mental health Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 36 - 43
• Main Authors: Norman, Hilary, Marzano, Lisa, Coulson, Mark, Oskis, Andrea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group 01-02-2019
• Subjects: Affective Symptoms - therapy; Humans; Mindfulness - methods; Network Meta-Analysis; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Systematic Review; adult psychiatry
• ISSN: 1362-0347; 1468-960X
• DOI: 10.1136/ebmental-2018-300029

QuestionAlexithymia has been found to be modifiable through treatment, with associated clinical benefits. Recent studies have begun to test the potential of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce alexithymia, using skills-based, group training to improve non-judgemental, present-moment awareness. The objective of this review therefore was to conduct a systematic synthesis to assess the current state of knowledge about the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on alexithymia to inform clinical practice.Study selection and analysisWe carried out a systematic review of the literature and found four randomised controlled trials of the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on alexithymia, with a combined total of 460 participants.FindingsA random-effects meta-analysis, combining study endpoint data, showed a statistically significant effect of mindfulness-based treatment on alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale) compared with the control group (mean difference=−5.28, 95% CI −9.28 to −1.28, p=0.010). Subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate sources of heterogeneity (I2=52%). Heterogeneity was reduced when the meta-analysis was restricted to interventions of a similar duration (3 months or less).ConclusionsFindings from our study should be replicated in further research with larger samples; however, the results indicate that mindfulness-based interventions may be an effective treatment in reducing alexithymia.