Observing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Meditation on Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Pain Patients.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether Mindfulness Meditation training could improve depression, anxiety, pain, and global impression of change in chronic pain patients with anxiety and depression.
Results Summary
Patients demonstrated noticeable improvement in depression, anxiety, pain, and global impression of change over the year-long observation period after completing the Mindfulness Meditation training program.
Population
Chronic pain patients with anxiety and depression, scoring higher than moderate on HDRS and HADS, and moderate on QOLS.
Effective Dosage
Three days a week for an hour of Mindfulness Meditation training, plus an hour daily home practice.
Duration
Eight weeks of training, with a year-long observation period.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness Meditation training | decrease | depression | Chronic pain patients who suffer with anxiety and depression | - | demonstrated noticeable improvement | #1 |
Mindfulness Meditation training | decrease | anxiety | Chronic pain patients who suffer with anxiety and depression | - | demonstrated noticeable improvement | #2 |
Mindfulness Meditation training | decrease | pain | Chronic pain patients who suffer with anxiety and depression | - | demonstrated noticeable improvement | #3 |
Mindfulness Meditation training | increase | global impression of change | Chronic pain patients who suffer with anxiety and depression | - | demonstrated noticeable improvement | #4 |
BACKGROUND: People whose chronic pain limits their independence are especially likely to become anxious and depressed. Mindfulness training has shown promise for stress-related disorders. METHODS: Chronic pain patients who complained of anxiety and depression and who scored higher than moderate in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as well as moderate in Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) were observed for eight weeks, three days a week for an hour of Mindfulness Meditation training with an hour daily home Mindfulness Meditation practice. Pain was evaluated on study entry and completion, and patients were given the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) to score at the end of the training program. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (47) completed the Mindfulness Meditation Training program. Over the year-long observation, patients demonstrated noticeable improvement in depression, anxiety, pain, and global impression of change. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain patients who suffer with anxiety and depression may benefit from incorporating Mindfulness Meditation into their treatment plans.