Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for patients with medically unexplained symptoms: Process of change

Abstract Background A recent randomized controlled trial provided preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for the top 10% frequent attenders in primary care with persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). This qualitative study aims to explore w...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychosomatic research 2014-07, Vol.77 (1), p.27-33
Main Authors: van Ravesteijn, Hiske J, Suijkerbuijk, Yvonne B, Langbroek, Jasmijn A, Muskens, Esther, Lucassen, Peter L.B.J, van Weel, Chris, Wester, Fred, Speckens, Anne E.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Awareness
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Emotions
Female
Humans
Male
Medically unexplained symptoms
Meditation
Middle Aged
Mindfulness
Mindfulness - methods
Primary Health Care
Psychiatry
Qualitative study
Self Care
Self-compassion
Somatoform disorders
Somatoform Disorders - psychology
Somatoform Disorders - therapy
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Background A recent randomized controlled trial provided preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for the top 10% frequent attenders in primary care with persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). This qualitative study aims to explore working mechanisms and possible barriers of MBCT in this population. Methods Twelve participants of the trial were interviewed about their experiences. This was done before and after the MBCT course, and 12 months later. Written evaluations of participants and notes of participant observers were used for data-triangulation. Results In total, 35 qualitative interviews were conducted. MBCT initiated a process of change, starting with awareness of the present moment, the associated sensory experiences, thoughts and emotions and accepting rather than resisting these. Participants started to recognize their own behavioral patterns and change them, thus improving self-care. Self-compassion seemed to result from and facilitate this process. Main barriers were concurrent social problems and the inability or unwillingness to accept symptoms. Conclusions MBCT can start a process of change in patients with persistent MUS. Awareness and acceptance of painful symptoms and emotions are key factors in this process. Change of unhelpful behavioral patterns and increased self-care and self-compassion can result from this process.
ISSN:0022-3999
1879-1360
1879-1360
DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.04.010