Effect of meditation or escitalopram on work performance in patients with anxiety disorders.
Anna C Oft, Samantha R Philip, Emily Holz, Sruveera Sathi, Xue Geng, Elizabeth A Hoge
Journal of Affective Disorders November 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.019 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 67 |
| Population | Adults with a primary anxiety disorder |
| Interventions | Escitalopram Mindfulness-based stress reduction |
| Duration | 24-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation Anxiety |
| Keywords | Absenteeism Anxiety disorders Mindfulness-based intervention Psychopharmacology Randomized controlled trial Work performance |
| Citations | 4 |
| Registration | NCT03522844 |
| Key findings | MBSR improved job performance at 24 weeks, while escitalopram did not, and both treatments reduced absenteeism similarly. |
Abstract
This study aimed to 1) examine how psychopharmacotherapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) influence absenteeism and job performance among individuals with anxiety disorders and 2) compare the effectiveness of these treatments in improving work performance. Adults (N = 67) with a primary anxiety disorder were recruited to participate in the study. Participants were randomized to escitalopram, a common treatment for anxiety disorders, or MBSR. Absenteeism and job performance were measured with the Health and Work Performance (HPQ) questionnaire prior to treatment and at the week 24 follow up. At week 24, individuals in the escitalopram arm and the MBSR arm showed significant improvements in partial days of missed work due to mental/physical health problems from baseline (1.00 [0.00-2.50] to 0.00 [0.00 = 1.00], p = .034 and 0.00 [0.00-2.00] to 0.00 [0.00 = 1.00], p = .001, respectively). In the MBSR arm only, job performance increased from baseline to week 24 (65.00 [50.00-80.00] to 75.00 [67.50-82.50], p = .017). None of the outcome variables significantly varied by group at baseline or week 24. Our study finds evidence that MBSR improves work performance equivalently to SSRI medication among individuals with anxiety disorders. Given the limitations of SSRIs, MBSR should be considered as an alternative to individuals who desire improved anxiety symptoms and work outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03522844.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- The Impact of Morning Meditation and Sleep Quality on Affective and Health Outcomes in Healthcare Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health April 9, 2025
- The neurophysiological effects of yogic meditation observed in electroencephalography patterns and neurotransmitter levels: A narrative review of scientific evidence. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine 2026
Cites 4
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for the Treatment of Adults With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry January 1, 2023
- Treatment for anxiety: Mindfulness meditation versus escitalopram (TAME): Design of a randomized, controlled non-inferiority trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials February 19, 2020
- Effects of mindfulness meditation on occupational functioning and health care utilization in individuals with anxiety. Journal of Psychosomatic Research April 2017
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders July 22, 2007