Solution-focused brief therapy combined with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for post-stroke depression: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of integrating Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in alleviating psychological distress and improving functional outcomes in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). METHODS: = 27). Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL), and Barthel Index (BI). Data were analyzed using mixed linear models to examine group-by-time interactions. RESULTS: < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combined SFBT-MBCT intervention significantly reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms while enhancing mindfulness, quality of life, and functional independence in PSD patients, demonstrating clinical value as an adjunct to routine post-stroke care.