Mindfulness-based therapies in the treatment of somatization disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PLoS One January 1, 2013 Shaheen E Lakhan, Kerry L Schofield
A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) has a small to moderate positive effect on somatization disorders. Compared to wait-list or support group controls, MBT reduced pain, symptom severity, and depression, and improved quality of life. The effect on anxiety was not statistically significant. Subgroup analyses showed the most consistent benefits for irritable bowel syndrome, and that mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy were more effective than eclectic or unspecified MBT. The authors suggest MBT may be effective for some aspects of somatization disorders but note the analysis was limited in power and call for further research.