MBCT for People With Parkinson's Disease and Caregivers

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

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 (PD) and caregivers of people with PD.

An adapted MBCT intervention will be offered to people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and mild-to-moderate depression and/or anxiety, as well as caregivers of people with PD. Several 8-week long MBCT groups will be held between September 2020 and May 2021, based on the adapted protocol. The MBCT intervention will consist of 90-minute weekly groups focused on teaching mindfulness techniques and ways to recognize cognitive patterns that can increase anxiety and/or depression. Participants will be recruited from the community, according to the eligibility criteria detailed below. For all participants, the 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. For caregivers, pre- and post-MBCT caregiver burden scores will be compared as well.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) or parkinsonism, established by a neurologist, or being a caregiver of a person with PD or parkinsonism
• Being able and willing to attend 8 weekly 90-minute online group sessions (5-6:30 pm PST)
• Mild-to-moderate anxiety: GAD-7 score ≤ 16
• Mild-to-moderate depression: PHQ-9 score ≤ 18

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe anxiety: GAD-7 score > 16
• Moderately severe-to-severe depression: PHQ-9 score > 18
• Cognitive impairment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 24
• Heavy alcohol or drug use
• Severe psychosis
• Active suicidal or homicidal ideation
• For people with PD: severe motor fluctuations (less than 2 hours "on" time per day)
• Pattern of engagement with health care that indicates low likelihood of completing an 8-week intervention.