Mindful Self-Compassion for Anxiety Disorders and Depression

The study will compare 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training, compared to a control group that does not receive the intervention, on anxiety and depression symptom severity in patients with diagnosed anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) or major depressive disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:Must have a primary anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia) or major depressive disorder, currentMust score low on self-compassion, as measured by the self-compassion scaleMust understand study procedure and willing to participate in all testing visits, and treatment as assignedmust be able to give informed consent to the study proceduresExclusion Criteria:Comorbid psychiatric disorder other than anxiety or depression, such as psychotic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders (i.e., anorexia and bulimia), bipolar disorder; developmental or organic mental disorders; and current (past 6 months) substance use disorders and current post-traumatic stress disorder as assessed by clinician at screening visitA serious medical condition that may result in surgery or hospitalization.A history of head trauma causing prolonged loss of consciousness, or ongoing cognitive impairmentInability to understand study procedures or informed consent process, or significant personality dysfunction likely to interfere with study participation (assessed during the clinical interview).Subjects who will be non-compliant with the study procedures. This may include planned travel out of town.Subjects taking some psychiatric medication such as barbiturates or antipsychotics. Sleep medications and some anti-depressants will be allowed, if the subject has been taken at stable dose 8 weeks prior to baseline and the patient plans to continue at the same dose through the trial.Concurrent psychotherapy initiated within 1 month of screen interview, or ongoing psychotherapy of any duration directed specifically toward the treatment of anxiety (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).Individuals who have completed a course of MSC or an equivalent meditation training in the last year.Individuals reporting significant active suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviors within the past year.Individuals with a medical condition (i.e., epilepsy) that may be exacerbated by study treatment, as determined by a study physician or nurse practitioner based on history, physical, and/or labs.Adults unable to consentPregnant womenPrisoners