Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious psychological condition,which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability.Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling;however,these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations.In recent years,nonconvulsive electrotherapy(NET)has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method.However,the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear.We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression,and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment.AIM To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022,the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and NET treatment(n=70)and the control group that only received MBSR therapy(n=70).The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors,including the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-17,self-rating idea of suicide scale(SSIOS),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment.The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared.Comparisons were made using t and χ^(2) tests.RESULTS After 8 wk of treatment,the observation group exhibited a 91.43%overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29%(64 vs 52,χ^(2)=7.241;P<0.05).The HAMD,SSIOS,and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups.Moreover,the observation group had lower scores than the control group(10.37±2.04 vs 14.02±2.16,t=10.280;1.67±0.28 vs 0.87±0.12,t=21.970;5.29±1.33 vs 7.94±1.35,t=11.700;P both<0.001).Additionally,there was a notable decrease in the IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6 in both groups after treatment.Furthermore,the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group(70.12±10.32 vs 102.24±20.21,t=11.840;19.35±2.46 vs 22.27±2.13,t=7.508;32.25±4.6 vs 39.42±4.23,t=9.565;P both<0.001).Moreover,the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group(Social function:19.25±2.76 vs 16.23±2.34;Emotions:18.54±2.83 vs 12.28±2.16;Environment:18.49±2.48 vs 16.56±3.44;Physical health:19.53±2.39 vs 16.62±3.46;P both<0.001)after treatment.CONCLUSION MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression,lowers inflammation(IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6),reduces suicidal thoughts,enhances sleep,and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the intervention of psychiatric disorders: A review

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy(MBCT)is frequently used for psychiatric disorders.Despite MBCT’s considerable potential for improving psychological health for patients,there is little empirical evidence to support its practical application in Chinese.This review will define meditation and mindfulness,provide an overview of the development of MBCT,identify the evidence for the effectiveness of MBCT,and offer recommendations to medical personnels on how to provide support for patients receiving mindfulness intervention.

Effects of mindfulness-based intervention programs on sleep among people with common mental disorders:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Sleep problems are particularly prevalent in people with depression or anxiety disorder.Although mindfulness has been suggested as an important component in alleviating insomnia,no comprehensive review and meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate the effects of different mindfulness-based intervention(MBI)programs on sleep among people with depression or anxiety disorder.AIM To compare the effects of different MBI programs on sleep among people with depression or anxiety disorder.METHODS Related publications in Embase,Medline,PubMed and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched from January 2010 to June 2020 for randomised controlled trials.Data were synthesized using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model to analyse the effects of various MBI programs on sleep problems among people with depression or anxiety disorder.The fixed-effects model was used when heterogeneity was negligible,and the random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was significant to calculate the standardised mean differences(SMDs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS We identified 397 articles,of which 10 randomised controlled trials,involving a total of 541 participants,were included in the meta-analysis.Studies of internet mindfulness meditation intervention(IMMI),mindfulness meditation(MM),mindfulness-based cognitive therapy(MBCT),mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and mindfulness-based touch therapy(MBTT)met the inclusion criteria.The greatest effect sizes are reported in favour of MBTT,with SMDs of-1.138(95%CI:-1.937 to-0.340;P=0.005),followed by-1.003(95%CI:-1.645 to-0.360;P=0.002)for MBCT.SMDs of-0.618(95%CI:-0.980 to-0.257;P=0.001)and-0.551(95%CI:-0.842 to-0.260;P<0.0001)were reported for IMMI and MBSR in the pooling trials,respectively.Significant effects on sleep problem improvement are shown in all reviewed MBI programs,except MM,for which the effect size was shown to be nonsignificant.CONCLUSION All MBI programs(MBTT,MBCT,IMMI and MBSR),except MM,are effective options to improve sleep problems among people with depression or anxiety disorder.

Research Findings Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a complex condition that is very detrimental to physical and psychological wellbeing. It carries a significant level of disability and economic burden. Pain patients frequently experience comorbid mental illness (e.g. depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia) and often require psychotherapeutic interventions in addition to medication management. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a means to treat several chronic conditions (e.g. chronic pain, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, insomnia). The objective of this review is to evaluate the current research on the use of MBIs in chronic pain managment. Although there are several controlled trials on the use of MBIs in chronic pain management, only a few studies were found that demonstrated significant effects on pain intensity, quality of life, as well as physical and psychological functioning. Therefore, the current evidence is mixed and there are insufficient data to definitively confirm the full impact of the use of MBIs in chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The lack of compelling evidence at this time signals a demand for higher quality investigations in this area. Research examining MBIs and concomitant CBT may be of great value in order to synergize and strengthen patient outcomes.

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with maintenance hemodialysis:a meta analysis

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:CNKI,VIP,WanFang,CBM,Embase,the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were retrieved.Randomized controlled trials of intervention effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with conventional hemodialysis education compared with conventional hemodialysis education on maintenance hemodialysis patients were collected.The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to December 2019.Two researchers independently screened the literatures,extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.RevMan 5.3 software was used for analysis.Results:A total of 9 studies,which comprised a total of 664 participants were included in the final meta analysis.The results showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction could reduce the anxiety of patients(SMD=?1.65,95%CI:?2.29 to?1.01),reduce the depression(SMD=?1.44,95%CI:?1.85 to?1.03).Conclusion:Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy has positive effects on depression,anxiety in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.

Intervention effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction for psychological health among nurses:A meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the effects of MBSR on psychological health intervention in nurses.Methods:The randomized controlled trial(RCT)and self-controlled trial(SC)investigating the application of mindfulness-based stress reduction in nursing staff were retrieved from CNKI,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,EMBASE databases.The retrieval time was set from the establishment of the database to April 2020.The Review Manager 5.3 software were used for meta-analysis.Result:9 RCTs and 5 self-control trails were included with 1421,712 subjects in the experimental group and 709 subjects in the control group.The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group,mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy can effectively reduce the psychological symptoms of clinical nurses[SMD=-0.96,95%CI(-1.51,-0.38),P=0.001],reduces nurses'anxiety levels[SMD=-1.28,95%CI(-2.18,-0.38),P=0.005],relieve the nurse's depression[SMD=-1.08,95%CI(-2.15,-0.02),P=0.005],improve the mental resilience of nurse[SMD=7.05,95%CI(3.93,10.17),P=0.03],showing a statistical meaning.Conclusion:The mental health of nurses is often neglected by themselves and there is insufficient awareness that MBSR can improve mental health.There has been a debate about whether MBSR actually improves the mental health of nurses,so it is necessary to further explore this issue and seek better methods and opportunities for practice.

Mindfulness-based online intervention on mental health and quality of life among COVID-19 patients in China: an intervention design

Background:COVID-19 can lead to increased psychological symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD),depression,and anxiety among patients with COVID-19.Based on the previous mindfulness-based interventions proved to be effective,this protocol reports a design of a randomized controlled trial aiming to explore the efficacy and possible mechanism of a mindful living with challenge(MLWC)intervention developed for COVID-19 survivors in alleviating their psychological problems caused by both the disease and the pandemic.Methods:In April 2021,more than 1600 eligible participants from Hubei Province of China will be assigned 1:1 to an online MLWC intervention group or a waitlist control group.All participants will be asked to complete online questionnaires at baseline,post-program,and 3-month follow-up.The differences of mental health status(e.g.PTSD)and physical symptoms including fatigue and sleeplessness between the COVID-19 survivors who receiving the online MLWC intervention and the control group will be assessed.In addition,the possible mediators and moderators of the link between the MLWC intervention and target outcomes will be evaluated by related verified scales,such as the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire.Data will be analyzed based on an intention-to-t「eat approach,and SPSS software will be used to perform statistical analysis.Discussion:The efficacy and potential mechanism of MLWC intervention in improving the quality of life and psychological status of COVID-19 survivors in China are expected to be reported.Findings from this study will shed light on a novel and feasible model in improving the psychological well-being of people during such public health emergencies.Trial registration Chinese ClinicalTrial Registry(ChiCTR),ChiCTR2000037524;Registered on August 29,2020,http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=60034.

Progression of intervention-focused research for Gulf War illness

The Persian Gulf War of 1990 to 1991 involved the deployment of nearly 700,000 American troops to the Middle East.Deployment-related exposures to toxic substances such as pesticides,nerve agents,pyridostigmine bromide(PB),smoke from burning oil wells,and petrochemicals may have contributed to medical illness in as many as 250,000 of those American troops.The cluster of chronic symptoms,now referred to as Gulf War Illness(GWI),has been studied by many researchers over the past two decades.Although over$500 million has been spent on GWI research,to date,no cures or condition-specific treatments have been discovered,and the exact pathophysiology remains elusive.Using the 2007 National Institute of Health(NIH)Roadmap for Medical Research model as a reference framework,we reviewed studies of interventions involving GWI patients to assess the progress of treatment-related GWI research.All GWI clinical trial studies reviewed involved investigations of existing interventions that have shown efficacy in other diseases with analogous symptoms.After reviewing the published and ongoing registered clinical trials for cognitivebehavioral therapy,exercise therapy,acupuncture,coenzyme Q10(CoQ10),mifepristone,and carnosine in GWI patients,we identified only four treatments(cognitive-behavioral therapy,exercise therapy,CoQ10,and mifepristone)that have progressed beyond a phase II trial.We conclude that progress in the scientific study of therapies for GWI has not followed the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research model.Establishment of a standard case definition,prioritized GWI research funding for the characterization of the pathophysiology of the condition,and rapid replication and adaptation of early phase,single site clinical trials could substantially advance research progress and treatment discovery for this condition.

Empathetic nursing with mindful cognitive therapy for fatigue,depression,and negative emotions in leukemia patients undergoing long-term chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Leukemia is a broad term for blood cell cancer.Leukemia is divided into acute or chronic,depending on cell differentiation.Leukemia patients are prone to adverse reactions during chemotherapy,such as anxiety,depression,and even suicide,affecting prognosis.As a nursing model developed by three well-known cognitive psychologists,empathetic nursing with mindfulness cognitive therapy(ENMCT)can effectively reduce anxiety and depression and improve the quality of life in patients with chronic disease.AIM To explore the effect of ENMCT on cancer-induced fatigue,hope level,and negative emotions in patients with long-term leukemia chemotherapy.METHODS A total of 103 patients with long-term leukemia chemotherapy diagnosed and treated in our hospital from July 2017 to October 2019 were enrolled and randomly assigned to observation and control groups using the random number table approach.Fifty-one patients in the control group received routine nursing,while 52 patients in the observation group received empathic nursing with mindfulness cognitive therapy.After three months of nursing care,cancerinduced fatigue was measured with the Piper Fatigue Scale(PFS),hope level with the Herth Hope Index(HHI),and negative emotion with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)/Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD).Self-management(Chinese Strategies Used by People to Promote Health)was also recorded.RESULTS The observation group’s total scores in behavior,cognition,emotion,feeling,and PFS were lower than the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).Keeping close contact with others,the attitude of taking positive actions,the attitude toward reality and future,and the total HHI score were higher in the observation group than the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s HAMA and HAMD scores were lower than the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s positive attitude,self-decision,and self-relief scores were greater than the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Empathetic nursing with cognitive mindfulness therapy is beneficial in improving cancer-related fatigue,negative emotions,expectation level,and self-management ability in patients with longterm leukemia chemotherapy.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Therapy in Controlling under Treatment Addicts’ Drug Cravings

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in controlling under treatment addicts’ drug cravings. This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest. The sample of this study included 30 under treatment male addicts whom were selected through applying random sampling method and were placed in two groups, experimental and control. After holding a preliminary session aiming at aiding the experimental group to become familiar with the procedure, 8 sessions of the mindfulness-based therapy were administered. Assessment tools were Craving Beliefs Questionnaire (CBQ) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). After calculating mean and standard deviation, the obtained data were analyzed using covariance. The results indicated that the mindfulness therapy was significantly effective in controlling drug cravings, decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression of under treatment addicts (p < 0.05).