The effect of mindfulness meditation training on biological acute stress responses in generalized anxiety disorder.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) could reduce stress-related biomarkers (ACTH and pro-inflammatory cytokines) in adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Results Summary
MBSR participants showed significantly greater reductions in ACTH and inflammatory cytokines compared to the control group, suggesting MBSR may enhance stress resilience. The study provides combined hormonal and immunological evidence supporting MBSR's efficacy in reducing stress markers.
Population
Seventy adults diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | decrease | Area-Under-the-Curve (AUC) concentrations for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | Seventy adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | - | significantly greater reduction | #1 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | decrease | Area-Under-the-Curve (AUC) concentrations for pro-inflammatory cytokines | Seventy adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | - | greater reduction | #2 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | decrease | stress markers | patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | - | larger reductions | #3 |
Mindfulness-Based interventions have increased in popularity in psychiatry, but the impact of these treatments on disorder-relevant biomarkers would greatly enhance efficacy and mechanistic evidence. If Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is successfully treated, relevant biomarkers should change, supporting the impact of treatment and suggesting improved resilience to stress. Seventy adults with GAD were randomized to receive either Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or an attention control class; before and after, they underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Area-Under-the-Curve (AUC) concentrations were calculated for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. MBSR participants had a significantly greater reduction in ACTH AUC compared to control participants. Similarly, the MBSR group had a greater reduction in inflammatory cytokines' AUC concentrations. We found larger reductions in stress markers for patients with GAD in the MBSR class compared to control; this provides the first combined hormonal and immunological evidence that MBSR may enhance resilience to stress.