The Effect of a Mindfulness Intervention on the Depression Symptoms of Mothers in Treatment for an Opioid Use Disorder

BACKGROUND: Mothers in treatment for an opioid use disorder experience a high prevalence of depression which may influence their relationship with their child. In the general population, mindfulness-based parenting intervention has been seen in the literature to have a clear positive effect on maternal depression. No research has been published regarding the effect of mindfulness intervention on maternal depression of women in treatment for an opioid use disorder. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of mothers in treatment for opioid use disorder, including depression and adverse childhood experiences, and to evaluate the characteristics associated with participation in a mindfulness intervention. Lastly, the effect of the mindfulness intervention on the depression symptoms of mothers enrolled in treatment is subsequently evaluated. METHODS: A secondary data analysis of a quasi-experimental trial of a mindfulness intervention implemented at a medication assisted treatment center for 175 pregnant and parenting mothers was accomplished to describe characteristics of the women and evaluate the effect of the intervention on depression symptoms. RESULTS: Depression was prevalent among the women surveyed, with over 45% of women scoring with moderate to severe depression symptoms. Women were more likely to select the mindfulness intervention group over the control group if they were not pregnant (OR .402; 95% CI [.64-1.759]), had more than one child (OR 1.061; 95% CI [.64-1.759]), or were unemployed (OR .236; 95% CI [.068-.813]). In terms of the effect of the intervention, there was a significant decrease in scores (M=-3.6 [1.2,6.1]) for the intervention group (n=65) comparing pre versus post intervention depression scores (t(64)=3.1, p=.003). Those who entered the study with low to mild depression scores and went on to enter the intervention experienced less of a difference (M=.47, SD=15.2) in depression scores than those who entered the study with moderate to severe depression scores (M=-6.6, SD = 13.5), (t(64)=-2.1, p\u3c.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that a mindfulness approach to behavioral interventions are feasible and may be effective in addressing depression outcomes in MAT populations of parenting women. A multifaceted approach to treatment should address past trauma, current social determinants and incorporate behavioral interventions which benefit the woman in MAT and her child