A randomized clinical trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus unrestricted services for health anxiety (hypochondriasis).
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology June 18, 2012 Freda McManus, Christina Surawy, Kate Muse et al. 177 citations
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) added to usual services reduces health anxiety more than usual services alone, with moderate effect sizes immediately after treatment (Cohen's d = 0.48) and at one-year follow-up (d = 0.48). At one year, 36% of MBCT participants still met criteria for hypochondriasis versus 76% of those receiving usual services alone. Improvements in mindfulness mediated the reduction in health anxiety symptoms. The findings suggest MBCT is a useful addition for patients with health anxiety.