Some research findings
MBSR and it's sister course MBCT have been the sbject of much of the better quality mindfulness research. We have listed some studies below but recommend you do your own search for any particular conditions.
Brain changes
There are observable changes in the brain from MBSR. These include increased grey matter in the hippocampus (which is important for memory) and decreased grey matter in the amygdala (which play an important role in anxiety and stress). Link
Anxiety
MBSR contributes to clinically reduced symptoms of anxiety, psychological distress and secondary depression.Link
Coronary heart disease
The addition of meditation training to standard cardiac rehabilitation regimes has been shown to significantly reduce mortality, morbidity, psychological distress and some biological risk factors. Link
Hypertension
Hypertension is reduced in rates comparable with medication Link
Cancer
Randomized contol trials show MBSR resulting in significant decreases in anxiety, depression, anger and confusion in cancer patients. They also demonstrate decreased symptoms of physical stress such as cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Link
Depression
The skills derived from mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have been shown to be effective in significantly reducing the recurrence of major depression in patients who have had 3 or more episodes of major depression. This is comparable in effectiveness to the use of anti-depressant medication Link
Chronic pain
MBSR can often reduce the experience of pain and can mediate pains inhibition of daily activities. It can often lead to a reduction in the use of pain medication. Link
Irritable bowel syndrome
Often improves significantly Link
Headaches & migraines
Often decreases headaches and their impact. Link
Multiple sclerosis
MBSR in addition to regular treatment can lead to improvement in a broad range of symptoms, including balance. Link
Asthma
MBSR helps improve psychological well being and adherence to treatment, and helps reduces the of frequency of asthma attacks. Link
Hot Flushes
MBSR may be a significant resource in reducing the degree of distress women experiences form hot flushes and night sweats. Link
Health related quality of life
MBSR significantly improves health related quality of life. This includes functional status, well being, reduced physical symptoms and psychological distress. Link
MBSR and it's sister course MBCT have been the sbject of much of the better quality mindfulness research. We have listed some studies below but recommend you do your own search for any particular conditions.
Brain changes
There are observable changes in the brain from MBSR. These include increased grey matter in the hippocampus (which is important for memory) and decreased grey matter in the amygdala (which play an important role in anxiety and stress). Link
Anxiety
MBSR contributes to clinically reduced symptoms of anxiety, psychological distress and secondary depression.Link
Coronary heart disease
The addition of meditation training to standard cardiac rehabilitation regimes has been shown to significantly reduce mortality, morbidity, psychological distress and some biological risk factors. Link
Hypertension
Hypertension is reduced in rates comparable with medication Link
Cancer
Randomized contol trials show MBSR resulting in significant decreases in anxiety, depression, anger and confusion in cancer patients. They also demonstrate decreased symptoms of physical stress such as cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Link
Depression
The skills derived from mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have been shown to be effective in significantly reducing the recurrence of major depression in patients who have had 3 or more episodes of major depression. This is comparable in effectiveness to the use of anti-depressant medication Link
Chronic pain
MBSR can often reduce the experience of pain and can mediate pains inhibition of daily activities. It can often lead to a reduction in the use of pain medication. Link
Irritable bowel syndrome
Often improves significantly Link
Headaches & migraines
Often decreases headaches and their impact. Link
Multiple sclerosis
MBSR in addition to regular treatment can lead to improvement in a broad range of symptoms, including balance. Link
Asthma
MBSR helps improve psychological well being and adherence to treatment, and helps reduces the of frequency of asthma attacks. Link
Hot Flushes
MBSR may be a significant resource in reducing the degree of distress women experiences form hot flushes and night sweats. Link
Health related quality of life
MBSR significantly improves health related quality of life. This includes functional status, well being, reduced physical symptoms and psychological distress. Link
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