Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress
Journal of Psychiatric Practice July 1, 2012 William R. Marchand 309 citations
Mindfulness involves focusing attention on present-moment experience with curiosity, openness, and acceptance. This review describes three mindfulness interventions effective for psychiatric symptoms and pain: Zen meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Zen is a Buddhist tradition, while MBSR and MBCT are secular, manualized clinical methods. Studies indicate that MBSR and MBCT have broad-spectrum antidepressant and antianxiety effects and reduce general psychological distress. MBCT is strongly recommended as an adjunctive treatment for unipolar depression. Both MBSR and MBCT show efficacy for anxiety symptoms. MBSR benefits general psychological health and stress management in medical, psychiatric, and healthy individuals. MBSR and Zen meditation aid pain management.