A Randomized Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with Psoriasis Patients

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on psoriasis patients’ symptoms, anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being. The study also examined if MBCT significantly impacted the domain and mediating variables of a clinically modified Buddhist psychological model (CBPM), which are acceptance, mindfulness, self-compassion, aversion, non-attachment, attention, rumination, and worry. Methods: One hundred and one participants were randomly allocated to MBCT (n = 51) or TAU (n = 50). Participants were measured pre-treatment, post-treatment, and after a 3-month follow-up period. Results: Analyses revealed that when baseline variables were controlled, there was a significant reduction or increase in the hypothesized direction for each variable over time in the MBCT group, but not in the treatment as usual group. Conclusions: The results suggest that MBCT may be a useful adjunct therapy for those suffering from psoriasis and the associated psychological symptoms relating to the condition.