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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for patients with medically unexplained symptoms: a randomized controlled trial
Hiske van Ravesteijn1, Peter Lucassen, Hans Bor
1Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. h.vanravesteijn@ psy.umcn.nl
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|August 15, 2013
Summary
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) improved mental functioning for patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This psychological treatment was feasible and acceptable for frequent primary care attendees.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) pose a significant burden on healthcare systems.
- Patients with MUS often decline psychological treatments, necessitating acceptable alternatives.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is explored as a potential intervention for persistent MUS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the acceptability and effectiveness of MBCT for patients with persistent medically unexplained symptoms.
- To evaluate MBCT's impact on general health, mental, and physical functioning in primary care patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT (n=64) with enhanced usual care (EUC; n=61).
- Participants included the top 10% of most frequent attendees in primary care.
- Outcomes assessed included general health status, mental functioning, and physical functioning at treatment end and 9-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in general health status or physical functioning between MBCT and EUC groups.
- MBCT group showed significantly greater improvement in mental functioning, particularly vitality and social functioning.
- MBCT group demonstrated higher mindfulness skills ('observing', 'describing') at 9-month follow-up; nearly half of outcome measures improved within the MBCT group.
Conclusions:
- MBCT is a feasible and acceptable treatment for primary care patients with persistent medically unexplained symptoms.
- While not improving general health status, MBCT significantly enhances mental functioning.
- Findings support MBCT as a valuable intervention for improving psychological well-being in this patient population.
