Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis

About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Multiple Sclerosis focused on measuring mindfulness, meditation, stress, psychological, quality of life, randomized controlled trial
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Men and women 18 years of age or older
- Definite relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive MS by revised McDonald criteria;
- Expanded Disability Severity Scale ≤ 8 at baseline;
- Stable on MS disease modifying, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications for three months prior to baseline visit;
- Mild to moderate stress defined by a score of ≥ 10 on the Perceived Stress Scale at screening;
- Ability to read and write in English;
- Willingness to provide informed consent and comply with study activities, including weekly MBSR sessions and daily practice or weekly Education Control classes.
Exclusion Criteria:
- MBSR or cognitive behavioral therapy training within the last 5 years;
- Current regular meditation or yoga practice (weekly or more often);
- MS exacerbation within 30 days of Baseline Visit;
- Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score of ≤ 26 at Screening Visit;
- Active suicidal ideation (Beck Depression Inventory) at Screening Visit;
- Reported or medically recorded diagnoses of current serious psychological disorders other than depression and anxiety;
- Other current life-threatening or severely disabling physical disorders;
- Positive pregnancy urine test at Baseline and women planning pregnancy during the study period (contraception not required);
- Cancer, other than basal or squamous skin cancers; or
- Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
Sites / Locations
- National College of Natural Medicine
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Mindfulness-base Stress Reduction
MS Education Control
Mindfulness-based stress reduction is a formalized, experiential, 8-week stress-management program. Participants attend weekly two-hour classes and a half-day retreat during which they learn mindfulness meditation, breath work, yoga postures, self-reflection and awareness.
The MS Education Control program is matched to MBSR for time and attention yet has no overlap with intervention content. Each two-hour class uses a pamphlet published by the National MS Society to present information about a different MS topic such as Fatigue; Bowel and Bladder Problems; Diet; Spasticity; and Nutritional Supplementation: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs.