Meditative and mindfulness-focused interventions may improve neuropsychiatric symptoms common in neurological disorders such as headache, movement disorders, and chronic pain. The article defines meditation and mindfulness, outlines their neurobiological mechanisms, and reviews evidence supporting various interventions for these conditions. Overall, the interventions warrant further investigation among individuals with neurological conditions. When recommending them, health care professionals should consider structural factors like insurance reimbursement and patient factors such as ability to tolerate a group setting.
A 4-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group program offered to hospital employees was acceptable and associated with reduced stress and burnout. Among 65 employees, attendance declined from 76% at session 2 to 54% at session 4, mainly due to work scheduling conflicts. Participants rated the program highly (average 9.18 out of 10) and 51% practiced mindfulness at least three times weekly. Stress decreased by an average of 2.1 points and burnout by 0.46 points, with medium to large effects. Qualitative feedback indicated improved self-regulation, mindfulness, emotional well-being, and work productivity. The program appears useful but alternative delivery methods are needed to improve attendance.