A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction to manage affective symptoms and improve quality of life in gay men living with HIV

Abstract

117 participants were randomized 2:1 to MBSR or TAU. No new psychosocial or psychopharmacological interventions were initiated within 2 months of baseline. Standardized questionnaires were administered pre-, postintervention and at 6 months. An intent-to-treat analysis found significant benefits of MBSR: at post-intervention and 6 months follow up, MBSR participants had significantly lower avoidance in IES and higher positive affect compared to controls. MBSR participants developed more mindfulness as measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) including both TMS subscales, curiosity and decentering, at 8-week and 6 months. For the sample as a whole, increase in mindfulness was significantly correlated with reduction in avoidance, higher positive affect and improvement in depression at 6 months. MBSR has specific and clinically meaningful effects in this population.

Mind the Gap in Mindfulness Research: A Comparative Account of the Leading Schools of Thought

“…Similar findings regarding pain reduction were observed in patients with cancer (Saxe et al, 2001;Carlson, Speca, & Patel, 2003;Williams, Kolar, Reger, & Pearson, 2001;Witek-Janusek et al, 2008) and HIV (Gayner et al, 2012). Additionally, MBSR was shown to improve skin condition in patients with psoriasis (Kabat-Zinn, Wheeler & Light, 1998;Bernhard, Kristeller & Kabat-Zinn, 1988), and resulted in improved sleep in cancer patients (Shapiro, Bootzin, Figueredo, Lopez & Schwartz 2003).…”

Prevalence and associated factors of depression among people living with HIV in two cities in China

“…For instance, mindfulness-based stress reduction is a promising approach for reducing HIV treatment-related side effects and distress associated with those symptoms (Duncan et al, 2012). Mindfulness study has been conducted among PLWH in western countries (Duncan et al, 2012;Gayner et al, 2012) but not among PLWH in China. The method had however, been utilized effectively in a community training program for the management of mild anxiety for non-PLWH (Feng et al, 2011).…”

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress

“…191,192 Evidence indicates that MBSR improves general mental health, 193 and many studies indicate improved psychological functioning among individuals with a variety of medical disorders. 164,177,178,184,[194][195][196][197][198][199][200] However, MBSR is also effective for healthy people, 181,201 and some evidence indicates that MBSR may be beneficial for psychological functioning among health care professionals. [202][203][204] Although most studies have been conducted with adults, recent research also suggests a benefit for adolescents.…”