Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training in Enhancing Executive Function and Decreasing Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
M. Amiri, M. Rabiei, V. Donyavi
July 22, 2016 DOI: 10.4236/jbbs.2016.68032 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | People with multiple sclerosis referred to the Karaj city MS society in 1394 (Iranian calendar year), with no medication changes during the study and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores between 0 and 5.5 |
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Duration | 8 sessions, once a week, 2 hours per session |
| Measures | State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis compared with a control group, but did not improve executive function as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The authors suggest mindfulness training may be useful for reducing anxiety and depression in this population. |
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness training in enhancing executive function and decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety in multiple sclerosis patients. The population in this study consisted of people with MS who referred to Karaj city MS society in 1394. These people didn’t experience medicinal changes during the study period and their expanded disability status score (EDSS) was between 0 and 5.5. 40 of them were randomly selected and placed into two experimental and control groups (20 for the experimental and the other for the control group). The treatment of mindfulness training was held in 8 sessions of group training, once a week and for 2 hours. The statistical method of multivariate analysis of covariance was used. The measurement tools were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). After all, the results in both groups were compared and evaluated by the use of analysis of covariance. The results showed significant differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression between the two groups (p 0.05). Generally, the results of this research showed positive effects of mindfulness training on reducing anxiety and depression among patients with MS and ineffectiveness of mindfulness training on their executive function. Therefore, considering that there is no certain treatment for MS plus results of this study, the application of mindfulness training can be quite useful to reduce levels of anxiety and depression in patients with MS.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- Stress Reduction through Mindfulness Meditation Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics February 18, 2010
- Addressing Fundamental Questions About Mindfulness Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
and 2 more in the library