Parsing the Promise of Mindfulness for Obsessive-CompulsiveDisorder: From Heterogeneous Evidence to Mechanistic Precision

Title

Parsing the Promise of Mindfulness for Obsessive-CompulsiveDisorder: From Heterogeneous Evidence to Mechanistic Precision

Creator

Sheikh, Mohammad Asif

Description

This extended commentary critically evaluates recent mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with particular attention to the synthesis by Reis et al. (Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 24(7), 735741,2024). Drawing on a meta-analysis by Chien et al. (Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 32, 100712,2022) and 10 randomized controlled trials, this review highlighted substantial heterogeneity across intervention types, delivery formats, and outcome measures. Key distinctions were identified among mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based exposure and response prevention (MB-ERP). Notable discrepancies between self-reported and clinician-rated outcomes, divergent theoretical frameworks, and the need for greater mechanistic precision were underscored. Integration of mindfulness within ERP emerges as a theoretically promising but still preliminary strategy to enhance inhibitory learning, reduce covert compulsions, and strengthen distress tolerance and treatment engagement. A forward-looking research agenda was proposed, emphasizing mechanism-matched trials, optimization of intervention sequencing, culturally adapted protocols, and scalable digital MB-ERP platforms with fidelity monitoring. This approach aimed to support the development of individualized, effective, and durable mindfulness-based treatments for OCD. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.

Source

Mindfulness;Volume;16;Issue;11;pp.3358-3364

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Springer

Subject

Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Digital interventions; Exposure and response prevention; Mechanisms of change; Mindfulness-based interventions; Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Coverage

Sheikh M.A., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 18688527;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-025-02688-4

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105020033226?origin=resultslist