Systemic Sclerosis Patients Experiencing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: The Beneficial Effect on Their Psychological Status and Quality of Life.
Khadija El Aoufy, Arianna Pezzutto, Alessandra Pollina, Laura Rasero, Stefano Bambi, Silvia Bellando-Randone, Serena Guiducci, Susanna Maddali-Bongi, Marco Matucci Cerinic
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health January 31, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032512 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Adults aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) according to EULAR/ACR criteria |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Systemic sclerosis Rheumatology Scleroderma |
| Key findings | MBSR did not significantly affect physical functionality, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, physical health status, perceived stress, mindfulness, or mental health status in SSc patients. Statistically significant improvements were found for both controlling and expressing anger. Qualitative interviews indicated greater awareness of daily activities, stress reduction through recognizing causes and using self-strategies, better therapy adherence, and recognition of medication effects, with no negative or side effects reported. |
Abstract
Psychological concerns in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients represent an important issue and should be addressed through non-pharmacological treatments. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on psychological variables and the perspectives and experiences of patients with an SSc diagnosis. Notably, 32 SSc patients were enrolled and assigned to either the intervention (MBSR) group or the waitlist group. Inclusion criteria were (i) age ≥ 18 years, SSc diagnosis according to EULAR/ACR diagnostic criteria and informed consent. Exclusion criteria were previous participation in any Mind-Body Therapy or psychiatric diagnosis. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes were investigated through clinometric questionnaires and individual interviews. MBSR did not significantly impact outcomes such as physical functionality, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, physical health status, perceived stress, mindfulness and mental health status. For the anger evaluation, statistically significant differences are found for both controlling and expressing anger, indicating that the MBSR program had a favorable impact. As for qualitative results, more awareness of daily activities, stress reduction in terms of recognizing the causes and implementing self-strategies to prevent them, adherence to therapy, and recognition of the effect of medication on their bodies were reported. In conclusion, it is important to highlight the absence of negative or side effects of the MBSR program and the positive impact on patients' experience and perspective; thus, we suggest this approach should be taken into account for SSc patients.
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 10
- Research in Mindfulness Interventions for Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Critical Review. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience July 28, 2022
- Mindfulness as a Symptom Management Strategy for Fibromyalgia: An Integrative Review. Journal of Holistic Nursing June 1, 2023
- A randomized controlled efficacy trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction compared to an active control group and usual care for fibromyalgia: the EUDAIMON study. Pain August 13, 2019
- Immune-inflammatory pathways and clinical changes in fibromyalgia patients treated with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity August 1, 2019
- Mindfulness-Based Intervention Does Not Influence Cardiac Autonomic Control or the Pattern of Physical Activity in Fibromyalgia During Daily Life: An Ambulatory, Multimeasure Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Journal of Pain May 2017
and 5 more in the library