Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• DOI: 10.4088/jcp.12m08083
• Publication Date: 2013-03-12T20:41:45Z
• Authors: Elizabeth A. Hoge; Eric Bui; Luana Marques; Christina A. Metcalf; Laura K. Morris; Donald J. Robinaugh; John J. Worthington; Mark H. Pollack; Naomi M. Simon
• Keywords: Beck Anxiety Inventory; Mindfulness-based stress reduction; Worry

Article Abstract Objective: Mindfulness meditation has met increasing interest as a therapeutic strategy for anxiety disorders, but prior studies have been limited by methodological concerns, including lack of an active comparison group. This is the first randomized, controlled trial comparing manualized Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program with control generalized disorder (GAD), characterized chronic worry and physiologic hyperarousal symptoms. Method: Ninety-three individuals DSM-IV-diagnosed GAD were randomly assigned to 8-week group intervention MBSR or attention control, Management Education (SME), between 2009 2011. Anxiety symptoms measured Hamilton Rating Scale (HAMA; primary outcome measure), Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Illness -Improvement scales (CGI-S CGI-I), Beck Inventory (BAI). reactivity was assessed distress during pretreatment posttreatment administration Trier Social Test (TSST). Results: A modified intent-to-treat analysis participants who completed at least 1 session (n = 48) SME 41) showed that both interventions led significant (P < .0001) reductions in HAMA scores endpoint, did not significantly differ. MBSR, however, associated greater reduction CGI-S, CGI-I, BAI (all P values .05). also than ratings response TSST stress challenge .05) increase positive self-statements .004). Conclusions: These results suggest may beneficial effect on improve coping laboratory challenge. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01033851 J Clin Psychiatry 2013;74(00):000-000 © Copyright 2013 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. Submitted: August 7, 2012; accepted February 11, 2013. Online ahead print: March 13, (doi:10.4088/JCP.12m08083) Corresponding author: Elizabeth A. Hoge, MD, Center Traumatic Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Sq, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 ([e-mail]).