Neural Changes Associated With a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Young Adults With Childhood Maltreatment

Neural Changes Associated With a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Young Adults With Childhood Maltreatment

Childhood trauma is remarkably prevalent, and it has long lasting impact on mental health and neural development. This trial aims to see whether the 8-week mindfulness based intervention can reduce stress related psychological symptoms for young adults with childhood maltreatment, and whether it can promote neural plasticity.

This study recruits young adults with childhood adversity; enrolled subjects either receive an 8-week mindfulness based intervention, or wait for 8 weeks before receiving the intervention. MRI and a battery of self report questionnaires will be administered before and after the intervention; subjects on the waiting list will undergo the same research procedures at the same time as subjects in the intervention group. Primary hypotheses include improved hippocampal plasticity, increased mindfulness and reduced stress and related psychological symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Experience of childhood maltreatment
• With current age between 19 to 35 years old
• With current symptoms of depression or anxiety or PTSD or significant general stress.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of psychiatric disorders with psychotic features
• Suicidal attempts during the past six months
• Neurological disorders
• And common MRI exclusion criteria
• Prior history with the mindfulness based stress reduction program or other systematic meditation programs.