Effects of mindfulness meditation on occupational functioning and health care utilization in individuals with anxiety.
Study Goal
To examine the effect of mindfulness meditation on occupational functioning and healthcare utilization in individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Results Summary
Participation in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was associated with a significantly greater decrease in partial workdays missed compared to the control group. Greater home mindfulness practice correlated with reduced work loss and fewer mental health visits during follow-up.
Population
Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (mean age 39, 56% women).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (8-week MBSR program with home practice).
Duration
8-week intervention with 24-week follow-up.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | partial work days missed | adults with GAD | - | was associated with a significantly greater decrease | #1 |
greater home mindfulness meditation practice | decrease | work loss | MBSR participants | - | was associated with less | #2 |
greater home mindfulness meditation practice | decrease | mental health professional visits | MBSR participants | - | was associated with fewer | #3 |
Mindfulness meditation training | increase | occupational functioning | adults with GAD | - | may improve | #4 |
Mindfulness meditation training | decrease | healthcare utilization | adults with GAD | - | decrease | #5 |
OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of mindfulness meditation on occupational functioning in individuals with Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). METHODS: Fifty-seven individuals with GAD (mean (SD) age=39 (13); 56% women) participated in an 8-week clinical trial in which they were randomized to mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or an attention control class. In this secondary analysis, absenteeism, entire workdays missed, partial workdays missed, and healthcare utilization patterns were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Compared to the attention control class, participation in MBSR was associated with a significantly greater decrease in partial work days missed for adults with GAD (t=2.734, df=51, p=0.009). Interestingly, a dose effect was observed during the 24-week post-treatment follow-up period: among MBSR participants, greater home mindfulness meditation practice was associated with less work loss and with fewer mental health professional visits. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness meditation training may improve occupational functioning and decrease healthcare utilization in adults with GAD.