Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on neuropeptide Y plasma levels in stressed individuals.
Helle Degnbol Østergaard, Karen Johanne Pallesen, Marit Nyholm Nielsen, Lone O Fjorback, Lise Juul, Michael Winterdahl
Journal of Psychiatric Research 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.12.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Individuals with symptoms of chronic stress |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction locally-developed stress reduction intervention |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 12-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Neuropeptide y Occupational stress |
| Key findings | MBSR increased plasma NPY levels compared to a wait-list control group in individuals with chronic stress. |
Abstract
Clinical studies have suggested that dysregulation of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system may play a role in psychiatric disorders, including chronic stress. Meanwhile, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown promise for stress-related maladies. However, no studies have explored whether MBSR can change plasma NPY concentration in stressed individuals. Individuals with symptoms of chronic stress were randomly assigned to eight weeks of either MBSR (n = 15), a locally-developed stress reduction intervention (LSR) (n = 15) or a wait-list control group (n = 20). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at a twelve-week follow-up to determine the effects of MBSR or LSR compared to the wait-list control group on NPY levels. The MBSR group had increased plasma NPY levels after the program compared to the waitlist control group, whereas the LSR group was not statistically different from the other groups. This pilot study provides evidence of the feasibility of MBSR to alter plasma NPY.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 8
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- A pilot randomised trial comparing a mindfulness-based stress reduction course, a locally-developed stress reduction intervention and a waiting list control group in a real-life municipal health care setting BMC Public Health December 1, 2020
- Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research August 23, 2017
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for improving health, quality of life and social functioning in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis 2017
and 3 more in the library