Clinical Evidence

The effectiveness of the Mindfulness-based stress reduction and similar programmes, and the benefits of mindfulness more generally, has been shown in an extensive body of scientific research built up over the past 30 years. Benefits are indicated for a wide range of health conditions, and because of this research, mindfulness is now increasingly being used in mainstream settings, such as the National Health Service, schools and business.

Mindfulness has been shown to be helpful for working with conditions such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Substance Abuse

• Eating Disorders

• Chronic Pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• HIV
• Insomnia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

It has also been found helpful for:

• Improving attention skills and cognitive performance

• Stress management

• Developing compassion and empathy

• Self-esteem and life satisfaction

• Improved immune system functioning

• Managing thoughts, emotions and behaviour

• Functioning in relationships

For some reviews of the research, please see:

Brown, KW , Ryan, RM. and Creswell, JD (2007) 'Mindfulness: Theoretical

Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects', Psychological Inquiry, 18: 4, 211 — 237

Fjorback LO et al (2011) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy – A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials Acta Psychiatr Scand 1-18

Halliwell E (2010) Mindfulness Report. Mental Health Foundation

Keng et al (2011) Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies Clinical Psychology Review, doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006

Ludwig DS, Kabat-Zinn J (2008) Mindfulness in Medicine. Journal of the American Medical Association 2008;300(11):1350-1352

Praissman (2008) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A literature Review and Clinician's Guide Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (20) 212-216