Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis - a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Robert Simpson1, Frances S Mair2, Stewart W Mercer2
1General Practice and Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, House 1, 1 Horselethill Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 9LX, UK. Robert.Simpson@glasgow.ac.uk.
BMC Neurology
|May 18, 2017
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) shows feasibility for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, significantly reducing perceived stress and improving mental health outcomes. Further research is needed to sustain these benefits long-term.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Mind-Body Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition frequently associated with significant psychological distress.
- Mental health comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, are common in MS and can negatively impact quality of life (QOL) and disease activity.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a potential intervention, but its efficacy in MS populations, especially those with higher disability, remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of MBSR in individuals with MS.
- To assess the preliminary effectiveness of a standard MBSR program on perceived stress, QOL, and other relevant outcomes in people with MS.
- To determine participant retention and adherence rates for an MBSR intervention within an MS cohort.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 50 participants diagnosed with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] ≤ 7.0).
- Participants were randomized to receive either an MBSR course or a wait-list control.
- Outcomes, including perceived stress, QOL, MS symptoms, mindfulness, and self-compassion, were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The study achieved high retention rates (90% post-intervention, 88% at 3 months), indicating feasibility. 60% of participants completed the MBSR course.
- Immediately post-MBSR, significant improvements were observed in perceived stress (large effect size) and depression (large effect size).
- At three months, improvements in perceived stress diminished, but significant gains in mindfulness (large effect size) and self-compassion were maintained. QOL improvements were negligible.
Conclusions:
- A randomized controlled trial of MBSR is feasible in individuals with MS, with good recruitment and retention rates.
- MBSR demonstrated immediate positive effects on perceived stress and depression, with sustained improvements in mindfulness and self-compassion at three months.
- While feasible, modifications to the MBSR intervention may be necessary to ensure more stable and lasting benefits for stress and depression in the MS population, warranting a larger definitive RCT.
