Mindfulness found as effective as leading antidepressant in treating anxiety disorders

 

(Mindfulness is a cognitive skill that involves being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment without judgment. It’s a practice that can help you feel calmer, more self-aware, and better able to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings.) 

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people and are frequently treated with medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  SSRIs can be an effective tool in countering the symptoms of anxiety disorders.  However, they also come with side effects that can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life in other ways.

Escitalopram (sold as Lexapro and Cipralex), adverse effects include nausea, headaches, dry mouth, excessive sweating, insomnia and fatigue.

Research

The research demonstrated that eight weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was non-inferior to escitalopram in providing stress relief.  In addition, no emotional regulation without having additional drawbacks.

In a new research letter, published in JAMA Network Open, the research team presented the secondary outcomes of patient-reported anxiety, depression, and quality of life from the previous study.

New Study

The study involved 276 adults diagnosed with various anxiety disorders.  They included agoraphobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to either the MBSR program or escitalopram treatment. The MBSR group attended weekly sessions focused on mindfulness meditation techniques.  While the escitalopram group received dosages ranging from 10 to 20 mg per day with regular clinical follow-ups.

Researchers used multiple standardized scales to measure anxiety, depression, and quality of life, both from patient and clinician perspectives. Blinded evaluators conducted assessments using tools like the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the PROMIS Anxiety Short Form.

The Findings

Findings revealed that both groups experienced similar reductions in anxiety symptoms over the study period. No significant differences were detected between MBSR and escitalopram in overall anxiety reduction by week 8, the study’s primary endpoint. Escitalopram showed a slight edge in symptom reduction at the midtreatment point (week 4), but these improvements were not sustained by the end of the study.

Adverse effects

Adverse event rates were the only significant difference between the two treatments. Nearly 79% of escitalopram recipients reported at least one study-related side effect, compared to just 15% of those in the mindfulness group.

The findings lend greater support for the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction as a reliable treatment for anxiety disorders with fewer risks.  The study makes a compelling case for its broader application in clinical settings.

Source: JAMA Network Open (2024)

 

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