A mixed methods evaluation of a mindfulness-based stress reduction course for people with Parkinson’s disease

Birtwell, Kelly; Dubrow-Marshall, Linda; Dubrow-Marshall, Rod; Duerden, Tim; Dunn, Annette

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course (MBSR) on people with Parkinson's disease who experienced depression, anxiety, stress or difficulty coping with Parkinson's.

Methods: Thirteen participants were recruited and six completed the full MBSR course. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and thematic analysis.

Results: There were significant improvements in levels of depression, anxiety and stress at weeks eight and sixteen, as measured by the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, short version (DASS-21). Themes of ‘mindfulness as challenging’ and ‘mindfulness as life-enhancing’ were identified from follow-up questionnaire responses. All participants reported they would recommend MBSR to other people with Parkinson's.

Conclusion: This study supports previous preliminary findings that mindfulness-based interventions could benefit people with Parkinson's experiencing non-motor symptoms. Further research using larger sample sizes, a control group, and a longer follow-up period is required.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 23, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Oct 25, 2017
• Publication Date: Nov 6, 2017
• Deposit Date: Dec 6, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 25, 2018
• Journal: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
• Print ISSN: 1744-3881
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Pages: 220-228
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.10.009