Can Meditation Influence Quality of Life, Depression, and Disease Outcome in Multiple Sclerosis? Findings from a Large International Web-Based Study
Adam Levin, Emily J. Hadgkiss, T. Weiland, C. Marck, Dania M. van der Meer, Naresh G. Pereira, G. Jelinek
Behavioural Neurology November 12, 2014 DOI: 10.1155/2014/916519 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople with multiple sclerosis who meditated at least once a week reported better mental health composite scores, cognitive function, and health perception compared with those who never meditated. The mental health benefit remained significant after adjusting for other factors. Fewer meditators screened positive for depression, but meditation showed no relationship with fatigue or relapse rate. Those with greater disability were more likely to meditate. The findings suggest a link between regular meditation and improved mental health-related quality of life in this population.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People with multiple sclerosis |
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Meditating at least once a week was associated with better mental health composite scores and a lower risk of depression in people with multiple sclerosis. |
Abstract
Objectives. To explore the association between meditation and health related quality of life (HRQOL), depression, fatigue, disability level, relapse rates, and disease activity in a large international sample of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods. Participants were invited to take part in an online survey and answer questions relating to HRQOL, depression, fatigue, disability, relapse rates, and their involvement in meditation practices. Results. Statistically and potentially clinically significant differences between those who meditated once a week or more and participants who never meditated were present for mean mental health composite (MHC) scores, cognitive function scale, and health perception scale. The MHC results remained statistically significant on multivariate regression modelling when covariates were accounted for. Physical health composite (PHC) scores were higher in those that meditated; however, the differences were probably not clinically significant. Among those who meditated, fewer screened positive for depression, but there was no relationship with fatigue or relapse rate. Those with worsened disability levels were more likely to meditate. Discussion. The study reveals a significant association between meditation, lower risk of depression, and improved HRQOL in people with MS.