The relationship between mindfulness and empathy with the oxytocinergic system in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (OXYGEN)

Kerem Böge, Niklas Bergmann, Marco Zierhut, Inge Hahne, Alice Braun, Julia Kraft, Ingmar Conell, Thi Minh Tam Ta, Neil Thomas, Paul Chadwick, Stephan Ripke, Eric Hahn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The present study explored the feasibility and acceptability as well as the impact of mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) on oxytocin levels (OXT) and clinical parameters in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). 

Methods: In a randomized-controlled design, outpatients with SSD (N = 48) were assigned to either MBGT in addition to German university-level treatment as usual (MBGT+TAU; n = 25) or TAU (n = 23). At baseline and at four-week post-intervention, clinical parameters and OXT levels were determined. 

Results: Results indicate high feasibility and acceptance with a 95.7% adherence- and 94% retention- rate of MBGT in SSD. While no significant changes in empathy were observed, MBGT+TAU demonstrated a significant reduction in positive symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrom Scale) compared to TAU at post-intervention. OXT levels were significantly increased in MBGT+TAU at post-intervention, suggesting a potential link between mindfulness and the oxytocinergic system in SSD. Additionally, improvements in various clinical parameters were indicated. 

Conclusion: The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting feasibility, acceptability, and positive effects of MBGT in outpatients with SSD, emphasizing the need for further research to solidify these findings. Overall, this work sheds first evidence on the intersection of mindfulness, oxytocin, and clinical outcomes in SSD.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100503
JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology
Volume24
Issue number3
Early online date10 Sept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2024

Keywords

  • Empathy
  • Mindfulness
  • Psychosis
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Schizophrenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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