Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Employed In the Primary Care Setting to Treat Anxiety and Depression

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a treatment for psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety for people with chronic disease, is rapidly growing in popularity in the United States (Bohlmeijer, Prenger, Taal, & Cuijpers, 2010). MBSR is a structured 8-10 week, group program with groups usually varying between 10 and 40 participants. Groups may be either heterogeneous or homogeneous with respect to disorders or problem areas of participants. Single weekly sessions are typically 2.5 hours, and there is an additional single all-day session per course on a weekend day. Each session covers particular exercises and topics that are examined within the context of mindfulness. These include different forms of mindfulness meditation practice, mindful awareness during yoga postures, and mindfulness during stressful situations and social interactions. Because development of mindfulness is predicated upon regular and repeated practice, upon enrolling participants enter into a commitment to carry out daily 45-minute homework assignments, primarily in the form of meditation practice, mindful yoga and applying mindfulness to situations in everyday life.