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Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Sephton, SE; Salmon, P; Weissbecker, I; Ulmer, C; Floyd, A; Hoover, K; Studts, JL
Published in: Arthritis Rheum
February 15, 2007

OBJECTIVE: Depressive symptoms are common among patients with fibromyalgia, and behavioral intervention has been recommended as a major treatment component for this illness. The objective of this study was to test the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention on depressive symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial examined effects of the 8-week MBSR intervention on depressive symptoms in 91 women with fibromyalgia who were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 51) or a waiting-list control group (n = 40). Eligible patients were at least 18 years old, willing to participate in a weekly group, and able to provide physician verification of a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Of 166 eligible participants who responded to local television news publicizing, 49 did not appear for a scheduled intake, 24 enrolled but did not provide baseline data, and 2 were excluded due to severe mental illness, leaving 91 participants. The sample averaged 48 years of age and had 14.7 years of education. The typical participant was white, married, and employed. Patients randomly assigned to treatment received MBSR. Eight weekly 2.5-hour sessions were led by a licensed clinical psychologist with mindfulness training. Somatic and cognitive symptoms of depression were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory administered at baseline, immediately postprogram, and at followup 2 months after the conclusion of the intervention. RESULTS: Change in depressive symptoms was assessed using slopes analyses of intervention effects over time. Depressive symptoms improved significantly in treatment versus control participants over the 3 assessments. CONCLUSION: This meditation-based intervention alleviated depressive symptoms among patients with fibromyalgia.

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Published In

Arthritis Rheum

DOI

ISSN

0004-3591

Publication Date

February 15, 2007

Volume

57

Issue

1

Start / End Page

77 / 85

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Treatment Outcome
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Middle Aged
  • Meditation
  • Humans
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Female
  • Depression
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Behavior Therapy
 

Citation

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Sephton, S. E., Salmon, P., Weissbecker, I., Ulmer, C., Floyd, A., Hoover, K., & Studts, J. L. (2007). Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum, 57(1), 77–85. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.22478
Sephton, Sandra E., Paul Salmon, Inka Weissbecker, Christi Ulmer, Andrea Floyd, Katherine Hoover, and Jamie L. Studts. “Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized clinical trial.Arthritis Rheum 57, no. 1 (February 15, 2007): 77–85. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.22478.
Sephton SE, Salmon P, Weissbecker I, Ulmer C, Floyd A, Hoover K, et al. Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2007 Feb 15;57(1):77–85.
Sephton, Sandra E., et al. “Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized clinical trial.Arthritis Rheum, vol. 57, no. 1, Feb. 2007, pp. 77–85. Pubmed, doi:10.1002/art.22478.
Sephton SE, Salmon P, Weissbecker I, Ulmer C, Floyd A, Hoover K, Studts JL. Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2007 Feb 15;57(1):77–85.
Journal cover image

Published In

Arthritis Rheum

DOI

ISSN

0004-3591

Publication Date

February 15, 2007

Volume

57

Issue

1

Start / End Page

77 / 85

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Treatment Outcome
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Middle Aged
  • Meditation
  • Humans
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Female
  • Depression
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Behavior Therapy