Cognition

Change the Brain to Improve Personal Qualities with Loving Kindness Meditation

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Loving-Kindness Meditation – Teacher-Life-Coach

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11870839/ ) Bashir and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on changes in the brain resulting from long-term practice of Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM). They report that the brains of LKM practitioners have changes in the superior parietal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal lobe, and insular cortex. These areas are associated with self‐compassion, cognitive and affective empathy, and prosociality.

 

Long-term Loving Kindness Meditation changes brain structures responsible for the personal qualities produced by the practice.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Bashir K, Edstrom SB, Barlow SJ, Gainer D, Lewis JD. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications. Brain Behav. 2025 Mar;15(3):e70372. doi: 10.1002/brb3.70372. PMID: 40022190; PMCID: PMC11870839.

 

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Loving‐kindness meditation (LKM), a meditation type focused on nurturing love and compassion for oneself and others, has been shown to provide mental health benefits, and LKM interventions are being investigated for mental disorders. The benefits of long‐term practice, such as increased self‐compassion, greater cognitive and affective empathy, and prosocial behavior, are proposed to be due to neuroplastic changes that support well‐being. This systematic review aims to summarize the differences in brain structure and function in long‐term practitioners (LTPs) of LKM versus controls to identify possible underlying mechanisms that support mental health and drive treatment effect.

Methods

The literature search included Google Scholar, PubMed, and APA PsycINFO from inception through November 13, 2023.

Results

After review, five studies (64 LTPs and 67 controls total) were included. Brain regions with between‐group differences reported in at least two studies include the superior parietal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal lobe, and insular cortex.

Conclusion

These areas are responsible for self‐compassion, cognitive and affective empathy, and prosociality—personal qualities believed to be fostered through LKM practice. Longitudinal neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies incorporating LKM interventions for specific mental disorders are needed to further inform the biological basis of these treatments and may provide surrogate outcome measures for future clinical trials to refine this promising treatment modality.

 

Improve Mental Health with Mindfulness

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What Is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900371/ ) Gkintoni and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies of the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on mental health. They report that MBCT significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and increased cognition and the regulation of emotions.

 

So, mindfulness-based therapy improves mental health.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Gkintoni E, Vassilopoulos SP, Nikolaou G. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 3;14(5):1703. doi: 10.3390/jcm14051703. PMCID: PMC11900371.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review outlines the neurocognitive outcomes and mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) that influence subjective well-being. MBCT is a clinical intervention that integrates cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices to prevent depression relapses and improve mental health. Methods: The review focuses on the effects of MBCT on brain structure changes, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation, which are related to improvements in subjective well-being. A total of 87 studies were included in the review to assess the effectiveness of MBCT. Results: Evidence from the studies highlights the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. MBCT was also shown to enhance cognitive functions and emotional regulation across diverse populations. These findings point to the potential for MBCT to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain and widen the applicability of the treatment for a variety of disorders, calling for further research into long-term benefits and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Conclusions: The review emphasizes the potential of MBCT to bring about neuroplastic changes, calling for further research into its long-term benefits and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. This study underlines the need to incorporate multidisciplinary measures by integrating psychology and neuroscience to comprehend comprehensively the effects of MBCT.

 

Yoga improves physiological and psychological states

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Yoga for Exercise - The Nutrition Source

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11884082/ ) Campelo and colleagues review and summarize the effects of long-term yoga practice on the physiological and psychological states of yoga practitioners. They report that yoga practice produces long-term changes in brain systems underlying sensorimotor, interoceptive, emotion regulation, and executive functions and in the periphery increases in parasympathetic-driven autonomic, hormonal and immune responses. Yoga practice also reduces negative emotions, psychopathology, and emotional reactivity as well as improved memory and cognition.

 

Long-term yoga practice positively alters the physiological and psychological state of the practitioners.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Campelo G, de Araújo JR, Aristizabal JP, de Souza W, de Castilho GM. Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Mar 6;25(1):92. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04825-x. PMID: 40050913; PMCID: PMC11884082.

 

Abstract

Background

Compared with short-term practices, long-term yoga might promote differential qualitative and quantitative outcomes. Following JBI’s and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review followed an apriori and systematic protocol to document the long-term effects of yoga on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes, provide evidence maps for each yoga component, and summarize results identifying knowledge gaps and promising directions.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, and PubPsych) were last searched in March 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated adults with > 1 year of practice, specified yoga-based practice(s) of interest, measured neural, cognitive, psychological, and/or physiological outcomes, were written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, presented original data, and mentioned search terms in the title/abstract. Evidence maps for each yoga component followed a 4-level structure of outcome category, method, study design and literature size. Qualitative summaries followed the same structure, to facilitate information retrieval.

Results

Out of 2270 screened studies, 65 were included (meditative studies = 36, predominantly postural studies = 25, breathing practice studies = 8). Physiologicaland neural outcomes were the most common, followed by psychological and cognitive outcomes. Although heterogeneous, neural results reveal structural and functional changes related to sensorimotor, interoceptive, emotion regulation, and executive functions. Physiologically, most studies have associated long-term practice with parasympathetic-driven autonomic, hormonal and immune responses, but some studies revealed sympathetic-driven or mixed responses, maybe due to the specific technique or individual differences. Psychological outcomes included lower levels of negative affect, psychopathological symptoms, and emotional reactivity. Cognitive measures have shown improved memory/cognition for older adults, but mixed or null effects for other constructs. Commonly, however, long-term practitioners demonstrated improved neural or physiological efficiency while performing cognitive tasks.

Conclusions

Future research should provide clear descriptions of the investigated yoga practice, employ more experimental paradigms, and refine statistical reports and models. We encourage researchers to work with specific overarching theoretical frameworks to refine research predictions, such as the neurovisceral integration model or predictive coding models; to consider motivational, cultural, and contextual factors that might influence long-term outcomes; and to develop systematic reviews and meta-analyses as next steps of evidence summary.

 

Mindfulness Meditation Alters the Brain to Accentuate Sensory Information Processing

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Figure 3

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743700/ ) Panitz and colleagues examined the activity of brain systems in experienced mindfulness meditators in comparison to non-meditators and found that experienced meditators had greater activity in brain systems associated with sensory processing and lower activity in systems associated with cognitive processing, This suggests that mindfulness meditation practice alters brain activity to accentuate immediate sensations.

 

Mindfulness meditation increases brain sensory processing while decreasing brain cognitive processing.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Panitz DY, Mendelsohn A, Cabral J, Berkovich-Ohana A. Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states. Front Hum Neurosci. 2025 Jan 6;18:1482353. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1482353. PMID: 39834400; PMCID: PMC11743700.

 

Abstract

Interest has been growing in the use of mindfulness meditation (MM) as a therapeutic practice, as accumulating evidence highlights its potential to effectively address a range of mental conditions. While many fMRI studies focused on neural activation and functional connectivity during meditation, the impact of long-term MM practice on spontaneous brain activity, and on the expression of resting state networks over time, remains unclear. Here, intrinsic functional network dynamics were compared between experienced meditators and meditation-naïve participants during rest. Our analysis revealed that meditators tend to spend more time in two brain states that involve synchrony among cortical regions associated with sensory perception. Conversely, a brain state involving frontal areas associated with higher cognitive functions was detected less frequently in experienced meditators. These findings suggest that, by shifting attention toward enhanced sensory and embodied processing, MM effectively modulates the expression of functional network states at rest. These results support the suggested lasting effect of long-term MM on the modulation of resting-state networks, reinforcing its therapeutic potential for disorders characterized by imbalanced network dynamics. Moreover, this study reinforces the utility of analytic approaches from dynamical systems theory to extend current knowledge regarding brain activity and evaluate its response to interventions.

 

Tai Chi Improves Cognitive and Physical Function in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Tai Chi Might Help Seniors Counter Mild Cognitive Decline

Tai Chi Improves Cognitive and Physical Function in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of tai chi based on information and communication technology for patients with mild cognitive impairment on cognitive and physical function: a systematic review and meta-analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11748305/ ) Li and colleagues review, summarize and perform a meta-analysis of the published research studies on the effectiveness of Tai Chi practice for the treatment of cognitive and physical abilities in patients with mild cognitive impairment. They report that the published research studies demonstrate that Tai Chi practice improves both cognitive and physical function in these patients.

 

Treat mild cognitive impairment with Tai Chi practice.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Li Y, Wang Q, Ren Y, Mao X. Effects of tai chi based on information and communication technology for patients with mild cognitive impairment on cognitive and physical function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health. 2025 Jan 7;12:1495645. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1495645. PMID: 39839400; PMCID: PMC11748305.

 

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of tai chi, enhanced by communication technologies, in improving cognitive and physical functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment, and to compare these effects with traditional tai chi.

Methods

A systematic search across four academic databases identified 16 studies with 1,877 participants. Data were expressed as weighted or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in Mini-Mental State Examination scores and Timed Up and Go results in patients with mild cognitive impairment following tai chi intervention. Subgroup analysis indicated that both communication technology-based tai chi and traditional tai chi produced varying improvements in cognitive and physical function.

Conclusion

This study confirms the importance of tai chi for cognitive and physical functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Compared with traditional tai chi, communication technology-based tai chi showed greater benefits in promoting rehabilitation. The effective and feasible interventions could improve the physical health of many older adult patients, these findings provide valuable insights and decision-making guidance for clinical practice and public health with older patients with mild cognitive impairment.

 

Improve Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly with Tai Chi

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid.” –Cheng Man-ch’ing

The aging process involves a systematic progressive decline in every system in the body, the brain included. The elderly frequently have problems with attention, thinking, and memory abilities, known as mild cognitive impairment. This is often a prelude to more severe decline such a dementia. An encouraging new development is that mindfulness practices such as meditation training and mindful movement practices can significantly reduce these declines in cognitive ability.

 

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice involving mindfulness and gentle movements. It is easy to learn, safe, and gentle. Tai Chi has been practiced for thousands of years with benefits for health and longevity. Tai Chi training is designed to enhance function and regulate the activities of the body through controlled breathing, mindful concentration, and gentle movements. Only recently though have the effects of this practice been scrutinized with empirical research. This research has found that it is effective for an array of physical and psychological issues. It appears to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and increase the number of cancer killing cells in the bloodstream, improve cardiovascular health, reduce arthritis pain, improve balance and reduce falls. It also appears to improve attentional ability improve cognitive ability in the elderly, and relieve depression.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9906996/  ) Wang and colleagues review and summarize the published randomized controlled studies of the effects of Tai Chi practice on patients diagnosed with mild cognitive decline.

 

They report that Tai Chi practice relieved the symptoms of mild cognitive decline and delayed the onset of more severe dementia. The benefits include improved memory, executive function, and sleep and reduced body pain. They also report that Tai Chi practice appears to produce these benefits by altering the brain including increased brain volume, connectivity, and white matter efficiency and reduce inflammation.

 

Hence, the published research suggests that Tai Chi practice is an effective treatment for patients with mild cognitive impairment.

 

“The moment we believe that success is determined by an ingrained level of ability as opposed to resilience and hard work, we will be brittle in the face of adversity.” – Joshua Waitzkin

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Wang X, Si K, Gu W, Wang X. Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. Front Aging Neurosci. 2023 Jan 6;14:1028822. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1028822. PMID: 36760710; PMCID: PMC9906996.

 

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a major public health concern that endangers health and decreases the quality of life of the elderly around the world. A recent clinical guideline has recommended regular exercise (twice per week) for patients with MCI as part of an overall approach to management. Tai Chi, a form of light-to-moderate-intensity mind-body exercise, is particularly suitable for seniors. This review aims to summarize epidemiological studies related to the effects of Tai Chi on symptom remission in older adults with MCI and reveal the potential mechanisms. Evidence suggested that Tai Chi can improve cognitive functions and alleviate the accompanying symptoms of MCI in the elderly potentially by activating the expression of signals in different brain regions, altering their connectivity, increasing the brain volume, and modulating brain-derived neurotropic and inflammation factors. Studies comparing various types of Tai Chi may contribute to the identification of paradigms that have appropriate intensities and difficulty and exert good effects on older people with MCI. In addition, studies are warranted to determine the frequency and duration of training that can optimize the beneficial effects of Tai Chi on MCI.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9906996/

Improve the Cognitive, Social, and Psychological States of Mild Alzheimer’s Patients with Mindfulness

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Improve the Cognitive, Social, and Psychological States of Mild Alzheimer’s Patients with Mindfulness

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“You have to be patient with Alzheimer’s. Once you understand that it’s a medical condition, you become a little more compassionate. You get less frustrated.” – Kim Campbell

 

The normal aging process involves a systematic progressive decline in every system in the body, the brain included. The elderly often have problems with attention, thinking, and memory, known as mild cognitive impairment. But sometimes the decline is rapid and results in dementia; a progressive loss of mental function produced by degenerative diseases of the brain. It is quite common with about 3% of adults ages 70 to 74, 22% of adults ages 85 to 89 and 33% of adults ages 90 and older. Between 60% to 80% of dementia cases are classified as Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

An encouraging new development is that mindfulness practices such as meditation training and mindful movement practices can significantly reduce these declines in cognitive ability. In addition, it has been found that mindfulness practices reduce the deterioration of the brain that occurs with aging restraining the loss of neural tissue. This suggests that mindfulness may help to relieve some of the symptoms and/or slow the progression of mild Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in Patients with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10046197/ )  Giulietti and colleagues recruited elderly (>70 years old) patients suffering from mild Alzheimer’s disease. They were randomly assigned to either receive no treatment or a once a week for 6-month mindfulness-based intervention including stress management, relaxation, and 15-minute meditations once in treatment and twice at home per week. At baseline and after 6-months the patients were measured with the Mini Mental States Inventory, and for health-related quality of life, depression, spiritual well-being, social status, everyday cognition, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

 

In comparison to baseline the patients that received the mindfulness-based intervention had significantly greater levels of everyday cognition, spiritual well-being, and social functioning, and lower levels of depression, agitation/aggression, anxiety, apathy, euphoria, sleep, apathy, and appetite. Whereas the control patients had significantly worsening Mini Mental States Inventory, apathy, appetite, and depression.

 

Caution should be exercised in interpreting these results as it was a relatively small pilot study without an active control condition.

 

But the results suggest that mindfulness training improved the cognitive, social, and psychological states of mild Alzheimer’s disease patients while the untreated patients showed a worsening of their cognitive and psychological states.

 

 “People do not realize that Alzheimer’s is not old age. It is a progressive and fatal disease and staggering amounts of people develop Alzheimer’s every day.” – Melina Kanakaredes

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Giulietti MV, Spatuzzi R, Fabbietti P, Vespa A. Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in Patients with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci. 2023 Mar 13;13(3):484. doi: 10.3390/brainsci13030484. PMID: 36979294; PMCID: PMC10046197.

 

Abstract

Bachground In this study, we hypothesize that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may improve well-being and the related outcomes in Alzheimer’s dementia patients (AD-P) at an early stage. MBIs consist of the practice of consciously observing the psychic contents in the present moment (thoughts, sensations, feelings, and other events). This attention allows one to become aware of the psychic contents and integrate them, thus favoring the quality of life and an increase in the mood of practitioners. Methods The randomized controlled study enrolled 22 AD-P at an early stage (age ≥ 60 years) treated with MBIs and 22 patients without treatment (six months of MBI training). Tests (T0–T1 six months): Mini-Mental State Examination (MMPI); Spiritual Well-Being (SWB); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); SF36. Test-Caregiver: Everyday Cognition scales (ECOG). Results AD-P with mindfulness: Improvement of ECOG (p = 0.026), quality of life (p < 0.001), spiritual well-being (p < 0.001); decrease in depression BDI (p < 0.001). The MMSE remains unchanged. The control group of untreated patients showed a significant worsening in all these dimensions. Conclusions MBI training is effective in increasing quality of life and preventing worsening in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10046197/

 

Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms with Mindfulness

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Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms with Mindfulness

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.” — Rita Schiano

 

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disorder whose causes are unknown. It is very common affecting over 5 million people in the U.S., about 2% of the population with about 7 times more women affected than men. It is characterized by widespread pain, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbance, and fatigue that lead to psychological distress. Fibromyalgia may also have morning stiffness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, headaches, including migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbances, thinking and memory problems, and painful menstrual periods. The symptoms are so severe and debilitating that about half the patients are unable to perform routine daily functions and about a third have to stop work. Although it is not itself fatal, suicide rates are higher in fibromyalgia sufferers. Clearly, fibromyalgia greatly reduces the quality of life of its’ sufferers.

 

There are no completely effective treatments for fibromyalgia. Symptoms are generally treated with pain relievers, antidepressant drugs and exercise. But these only reduce the severity of the symptoms and do not treat the disease directly. Mindfulness practices have also been shown to be effective in reducing pain from fibromyalgia. The research has been accumulating. So, it makes sense to step back and summarize what has been learned about the effects of mindfulness on the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

 

In today’s Research News article “Research in Mindfulness Interventions for Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Critical Review.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9368585/ ) Leca and colleagues review and summarize, the published controlled research trials on the effects of mindfulness on the symptoms of fibromyalgia. They identified 7 published controlled trials.

 

They report that mindfulness interventions produced significant reductions in fibromyalgia symptoms and pain, functional impairment, anxiety, depression, distress, and stress, and significant improvements in mental health, quality of life, resilience, emotions, sleep quality, and cognition. Hence, the research found that mindfulness training improves the psychological, and physical symptoms of fibromyalgia.

 

“I’ve seen better days, but I’ve also seen worse. I don’t have everything that I want, but I do have all I need. I woke up with some aches and pains, but I woke up. My life may not be perfect, but I am blessed.” — Unknown

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on Twitter @MindfulResearch

 

Study Summary

 

Leça S, Tavares I. Research in Mindfulness Interventions for Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Critical Review. Front Integr Neurosci. 2022 Jul 28;16:920271. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2022.920271. PMID: 35965601; PMCID: PMC9368585.

 

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common causes of widespread chronic pain. It has a huge impact on the quality of life, namely because it appears earlier in life than most of the chronic pain conditions. Furthermore, emotional-cognitive distress factors, such as depression and anxiety, are a common feature in patients with fibromyalgia. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia remain mostly unknown. Among non-pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been used during the last decade, namely with the enrolment of patients in programs of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and in mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). We critically analyzed the literature to search for scientific evidence for the use of MBI in fibromyalgia. The studies were evaluated as to several outcomes of fibromyalgia improvement along with aspects of the study design which are currently considered relevant for research in mindfulness. We conclude that despite the sparsity of well-structured longitudinal studies, there are some promising results showing that the MBI are effective in reducing the negative aspects of the disease. Future design of studies using MBI in fibromyalgia management should be critically discussed. The importance of active controls, evaluation of sustained effects along with investigation of the subserving neurobiological mechanisms and detailed reports of possible adverse effects should be considered.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9368585/

Mindfulness Increases the Ability to Change Behavior for the Good

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Mindfulness Increases the Ability to Change Behavior for the Good

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“Training your mind to be in the present moment is the #1 key to making healthier choices.” – Susan Albers

 

Many health problems are behavioral problems or have their origins in maladaptive behavior. This is evident in car accident injuries that are frequently due to behaviors, such as texting while driving, driving too fast or aggressively, or driving drunk. Other problematic behaviors are cigarette smoking, alcoholism, drug use, or unprotected sex. Problems can also be produced by lack of appropriate behavior such as sedentary lifestyle, not eating a healthy diet, not getting sufficient sleep or rest, or failing to take medications according to the physician’s orders.

 

Hence, promoting behavior change to healthy behaviors and eliminating unhealthy ones has the potential to markedly improve health. Mindfulness training has been shown to promote health and improve illness. It is well established that mindfulness can improve healthy behaviors. The research has been accumulating. So, it is reasonable to stop and summarize what has been learned.

 

In today’s Research News article “.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647439/ ) Schuman-Olivier and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on the ability of mindfulness training to promote behavior change and also the mechanism by which this is accomplished..

 

They summarize the research as demonstrating that mindfulness training improves self-regulation. This includes improvements in attention, cognitive control, emotion regulation, and self-related processes. These improvements in self-regulation results in an increased ability to change behavior from unhealthy behaviors to more healthy behaviors. This has been shown to be true with substance abuse, eating disorders, tobacco smoking, self-management with chronic diseases, violence, suicide, and self-harm.

 

They conclude that the published research supports the model that mindfulness training increases self-regulation which in turn supports behavior change.

 

“A mind set in its ways is wasted.” – Eric Schmidt

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on Twitter @MindfulResearch

 

Study Summary

 

Schuman-Olivier Z, Trombka M, Lovas DA, Brewer JA, Vago DR, Gawande R, Dunne JP, Lazar SW, Loucks EB, Fulwiler C. Mindfulness and Behavior Change. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2020 Nov/Dec;28(6):371-394. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000277. PMID: 33156156; PMCID: PMC7647439.

 

Abstract

Initiating and maintaining behavior change is key to the prevention and treatment of most preventable chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses. The cultivation of mindfulness, involving acceptance and nonjudgment of present-moment experience, often results in transformative health behavior change. Neural systems involved in motivation and learning have an important role to play. A theoretical model of mindfulness that integrates these mechanisms with the cognitive, emotional, and self-related processes commonly described, while applying an integrated model to health behavior change, is needed. This integrative review (1) defines mindfulness and describes the mindfulness-based intervention movement, (2) synthesizes the neuroscience of mindfulness and integrates motivation and learning mechanisms within a mindful self-regulation model for understanding the complex effects of mindfulness on behavior change, and (3) synthesizes current clinical research evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions targeting health behaviors relevant to psychiatric care. The review provides insight into the limitations of current research and proposes potential mechanisms to be tested in future research and targeted in clinical practice to enhance the impact of mindfulness on behavior change.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647439/

 

Mindfulness is Associated with Less Relapse and Recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder

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Mindfulness is Associated with Less Relapse and Recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

 

Clinically diagnosed depression is the most common mental illness, affecting over 6% of the population. Major depression can be quite debilitating. Depression can be difficult to treat and is usually treated with anti-depressive medication. But, of patients treated initially with drugs only about a third attained remission of the depression. After repeated and varied treatments including drugs, therapy, exercise etc. only about two thirds of patients attained remission. But drugs often have troubling side effects and can lose effectiveness over time. In addition, many patients who achieve remission have relapses and recurrences of the depression.

 

Relapsing into depression is a terribly difficult situation. The patients are suffering, and nothing appears to work to relieve their intense depression. Suicide becomes a real possibility. So, it is imperative to study the factors that lead to relapse and recurrence. Mindfulness training is an alternative treatment for depression. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression and its recurrence and even in the cases where drugs fail. So, it makes sense to study the relationship of mindfulness with relapse and recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder.

 

In today’s Research News article “Factors associated with relapse and recurrence of major depressive disorder in patients starting mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9298927/ ) de Klerk-Sluis and colleagues studied patients who were in remission for Major Depressive Disorder and the factors that predicted relapse and recurrence.

 

They found that the higher the levels of mindfulness the lower the risk of relapse and recurrence. They also found that the greater the ability of mild emotions to reactivate negative thinking patterns (cognitive reactivity) the greater the likelihood of relapse and recurrence. Finally, they found that rumination was associated with relapse and recurrence in patients who were not taking antidepressant drugs but not in patients on the drugs.

 

It appears that thought processes have large effects on relapse and recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder. But mindful thinking is helpful in preventing relapse. This suggests that mindfulness training should be recommended for patients in remission from Major Depressive Disorder. Indeed, mindfulness training has been shown to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

 

“But if you’ve fought depression or know somebody who has, you know that no amount of money can fix it. No amount of fame. No logic. The continuing stigma around suicide and mental illness tells me that not enough people truly understand it. I don’t really blame them—its impossible unless you’ve lived it.”-  David Chang

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

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Study Summary

 

de Klerk-Sluis JM, Huijbers MJ, Löcke S, Spijker J, Spinhoven P, Speckens AEM, Ruhe HG. Factors associated with relapse and recurrence of major depressive disorder in patients starting mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Depress Anxiety. 2022 Feb;39(2):113-122. doi: 10.1002/da.23220. Epub 2021 Nov 9. PMID: 34752681; PMCID: PMC9298927.

 

Abstract

Background

Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective for relapse prevention in major depressive disorder (MDD). It reduces cognitive reactivity (CR) and rumination, and enhances self‐compassion and mindfulness. Although rumination and mindfulness after MBCT are associated with relapse, the association of CR, rumination, self‐compassion, and mindfulness with relapse before initiation of MBCT has never been investigated.

Methods

Data were drawn from two randomized controlled trials, including a total of 282 remitted MDD participants (≥3 depressive episodes) who had been using maintenance antidepressant medication (mADM) for at least 6 months before baseline. All participants were offered MBCT while either their mADM was maintained or discontinued after MBCT. CR, rumination, self‐compassion, and mindfulness were assessed at baseline by self‐rated questionnaires and were used in Cox proportional hazards regression models to investigate their association with relapse.

Results

CR and mindfulness were associated with relapse, independent of residual symptoms, previous depressive episodes, and mADM‐use. Higher CR and lower mindfulness increased the risk of relapse. Self‐compassion was not associated with relapse. For rumination, a significant interaction with mADM‐use was found. Rumination was associated with relapse in patients who discontinued their mADM, while this effect was absent if patients continued mADM.

Conclusions

These results show that CR, rumination, and mindfulness are associated with relapse in remitted MDD‐patients before initiation of MBCT, independent of residual symptoms and previous depressive episodes. This information could improve decisions in treatment planning in remitted individuals with a history of depression.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9298927/