Observing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Meditation on Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Pain Patients.

Chronic pain patients with anxiety and depression who completed an eight-week mindfulness meditation program showed noticeable improvements in depression, anxiety, pain, and overall well-being over a year-long observation. The training involved three one-hour sessions per week plus daily home practice. Among 47 participants, scores on depression, anxiety, and quality-of-life measures improved, and patients reported positive global impressions of change. The findings suggest that incorporating mindfulness meditation into treatment plans may benefit chronic pain patients who also experience anxiety and depression.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BACKGROUND People whose chronic pain limits their independence are especially likely to become anxious and depressed. Mindfulness training has shown promise for stress-related disorders. METHODS Chronic pain patients who complained of anxiety and depression and who scored higher than moderate in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as well as moderate in Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) were observed for eight weeks, three days a week for an hour of Mindfulness Meditation training with an hour daily home Mindfulness Meditation practice. Pain was evaluated on study entry and completion, and patients were given the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) to score at the end of the training program. RESULTS Forty-seven patients (47) completed the Mindfulness Meditation Training program. Over the year-long observation, patients demonstrated noticeable improvement in depression, anxiety, pain, and global impression of change. CONCLUSION Chronic pain patients who suffer with anxiety and depression may benefit from incorporating Mindfulness Meditation into their treatment plans.