The Evaluation of the Adjunctive Therapeutic Value of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy for Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Induced Moderate Depression.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy, added to usual care, improves psychological outcomes for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with moderate depression. In a retrospective analysis of 131 patients, those receiving MBSR showed significantly greater improvements in depression, anxiety, perceived stress, quality of life, and mindfulness awareness after eight weeks compared to a control group. Patients in the MBSR group also reported higher treatment satisfaction, willingness to recommend the treatment, and perceived benefit. The findings suggest MBSR offers adjunctive therapeutic value for this population.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents a substantial challenge for patients, impacting their physical and psychological well-being. Patients may experience moderate depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life due to the disease and its treatments. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the adjunctive therapeutic potential of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy for NPC patients with moderate depression. Psychological parameters were assessed using standardized scales, including the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD-17), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Short-From-12 Health Survey (SF-12), and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the two groups. A total of 131 patients including 67 patients with control group and 64 patients with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction therapy group were included. After 8 weeks of treatment, the MBSR therapy group showed significant improvements in psychological parameters, including depression, anxiety, perceived stress, quality of life, and mindfulness attention awareness (p < 0.05), compared to the control group. Additionally, the MBSR therapy group reported significantly higher overall satisfaction with treatment, willingness to recommend treatment, and perceived benefit from treatment (p < 0.05). The study findings support the adjunctive therapeutic value of MBSR therapy in improving psychological outcomes and patient satisfaction among individuals with NPC-induced moderate depression.