Observing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Meditation on Anxiety andDepression in Chronic Pain Patients
March 28, 2016 DOI: 10.4172/2472-0496.1000111 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 47 |
| Population | Chronic pain patients with anxiety and depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness Meditation |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 1-year follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Patients completing an eight-week mindfulness meditation program showed noticeable improvements in depression, anxiety, pain, and global impression of change over a year-long observation. |
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.