Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for People With Parkinson's Disease

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for People With Parkinson's Disease

This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in reducing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease.

An adapted MBCT intervention will be offered to people with Parkinson's disease and mild-to-moderate depression and/or anxiety. Two 8-week long MBCT groups will be held between September 2019 and March 2020, based on the adapted protocol. Modifications will include shortening the traditional 120-minute to 90-minute format and performing mindful yoga from a chair, instead of a floor mat. Participants will be recruited from the community, according to the eligibility criteria detailed below. The participants' pre- and post-MBCT anxiety and/or depressive symptom severity and mindfulness levels (as measured with standardized, validated scales) will be compared, using a paired t-test.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or parkinsonism (established by a neurologist)
2. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area
3. Being able and willing to attend 8 weekly 90-minute group sessions
4. Mild-to-moderate anxiety: GAD-7 score ≤ 16
5. Mild-to-moderate depression: PHQ-9 score ≤ 18

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe anxiety: GAD-7 score > 16
2. Moderately severe-to-severe depression: PHQ-9 score > 18
3. Cognitive impairment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 24
4. Heavy alcohol or drug use
5. Severe psychosis
6. Active suicidal or homicidal ideation
7. Severe motor fluctuations (less than 2 hours "on" time per day)