The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy on Anxiety Sensitivity and Rumination in Individuals with Migraine

Background: Migraine, a debilitating neurological disorder, frequently presents with significant psychological comorbidities, including anxiety and rumination. This pervasive co-occurrence highlights the critical need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an ۸-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy program in reducing anxiety sensitivity (across physical, cognitive, and social concern subscales) and rumination among individuals diagnosed with migraine with comorbid anxiety. Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a control group and a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up framework. The statistical population comprised all female migraine patients who were referred to neurologists in Ahvaz during ۲۰۲۴. Forty individuals were selected through convenience sampling, limiting generalizability, and allocated to either the MBSR group or the control group, each comprising ۲۰ participants. The MBSR group participated in eight ۹۰-minute sessions, while the control group received no psychotherapeutic intervention. Anxiety sensitivity was quantified using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), analyzing physical, cognitive, and social concern subscales. Rumination was evaluated via the Rumination Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS version ۲۷. Results: The findings demonstrated that MBSR significantly reduced anxiety sensitivity (physical concerns, cognitive concerns, and social concerns) and rumination in patients with migraine with comorbid anxiety (P<۰.۰۰۱). These effects were sustained at the one-month follow-up (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: MBSR therapy significantly reduced anxiety sensitivity and rumination in individuals with migraine with comorbid anxiety, with sustained effects at one-month follow-up. However, the use of convenience sampling and the absence of long-term follow-up limit the generalizability and understanding of enduring effects. MBSR shows potential as an effective adjunctive intervention for improving psychological outcomes in this population.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mindfulness ، Stress ، Anxiety ، Rumination ، Migraine disorders