In veterans with military-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), certain pre-existing mindfulness skills influenced how well they responded to a Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) compared with present-centered therapy (PCT). Among 173 veterans, those with a greater ability to describe their internal experiences showed lower PTSD hyperarousal symptoms after MRP than after PCT. Conversely, veterans with lower nonreactivity to internal stimuli experienced greater reductions in PTSD avoidance and numbing symptoms and insomnia with MRP than with PCT. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire may help predict which patients benefit most from mindfulness-based interventions like MRP.
A 6-week internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) was feasible and acceptable for women recently treated for breast cancer, with 86% adherence and 19.2% attrition. Pooled pre-to-post-intervention data showed decreased perceived stress and increased spiritual well-being. Cytokine analysis revealed that IFN-γ and IL-17A increased in the waitlisted group and decreased in the treatment group. The findings suggest MRP may reduce perceived stress and support spiritual well-being, but further studies are needed.