A mixed methods evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course for people with Parkinson's disease.
Kelly Birtwell, Linda Dubrow-Marshall, Rod Dubrow-Marshall, Tim Duerden, Annette Dunn
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice November 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.10.009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Uncontrolled repeated measures study with qualitative thematic analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | People with Parkinson's disease who experienced depression, anxiety, stress or difficulty coping with Parkinson's |
| Duration | 8-week course, with follow-up at weeks 8 and 16 |
| Measures | Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, short version (DASS-21) |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Coping Parkinson's disease Stress |
| Key findings | Depression, anxiety, and stress scores on the DASS-21 improved significantly at weeks eight and sixteen among the six participants who completed the 8-week MBSR course. Participants described mindfulness as both challenging and life-enhancing, and all said they would recommend MBSR to others with Parkinson's. The authors argue these preliminary findings support possible benefit of mindfulness-based interventions for non-motor symptoms, pending larger controlled trials with longer follow-up. |
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course (MBSR) on people with Parkinson's disease who experienced depression, anxiety, stress or difficulty coping with Parkinson's. Thirteen participants were recruited and six completed the full MBSR course. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and thematic analysis. There were significant improvements in levels of depression, anxiety and stress at weeks eight and sixteen, as measured by the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, short version (DASS-21). Themes of 'mindfulness as challenging' and 'mindfulness as life-enhancing' were identified from follow-up questionnaire responses. All participants reported they would recommend MBSR to other people with Parkinson's. This study supports previous preliminary findings that mindfulness-based interventions could benefit people with Parkinson's experiencing non-motor symptoms. Further research using larger sample sizes, a control group, and a longer follow-up period is required.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Mindfulness or meditation therapy for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Neurology August 1, 2023
- The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Gerontologist 2025
- A randomized controlled trial on the effects and acceptability of individual mindfulness techniques - meditation and yoga - on anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson's disease: a study protocol. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies July 17, 2023
- Enhancing Whole-Person Care Through Mindfulness: Qualitative Insights from Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Mindfulness July 5, 2025
- Mindfulness in Parkinson's disease: A French national survey and a pilot intervention feasibility trial using the MBSR program (M-Park). Revue Neurologique October 1, 2024
and 5 more in the library
Cites 11
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Participants' Experiences of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: “It Changed Me in Just about Every Way Possible” Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy June 10, 2009
- A qualitative analysis of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in Parkinson's disease Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice October 20, 2009
- Evaluation of the breathworks mindfulness‐based pain management programme: effects on well‐being and multiple measures of mindfulness Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy November 13, 2009
and 6 more in the library