1. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders Sarah Brothwell

2. Anxiety Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Anxiety affects both psychological and physiological health. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include: Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness, uncontrollable, obsessive or repetitive thoughts, problems sleeping and muscle tension.

3. Types of Anxiety Disorders Panic disorder ** Obsessive-compulsive disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder* Social anxiety disorder ** Specific phobias* Generalized anxiety disorder**

4. MBSR as a Treatment Theorists have suggested that MBSR may reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression by modifying emotion regulation abilities. MBSR practices may directly influence the ability to exert cognitive control over negative rumination, attention allocation and regulation.

5. Research An ample amount of empirical data has been produced to support the use of MBSR in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated superiority in reducing primary symptoms of anxiety, whereas MBSR diminishes secondary symptoms of anxiety, which improves overall functioning. Thus CBT is still considered the first line of defense for treating anxiety disorders and is more widely accepted by healthcare professionals.

6. Research Cont. According to the “Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures, Division 12 (1995)” MBSR is considered to be a “probably efficacious treatment” Findings on the use of MBSR in treating anxiety disorders have been replicated by several different research teams. Demonstrates long-term effects