The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Physical Symptoms in Patients with Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Stress is an important factor in development and exacerbation of symptoms of most of the skin diseases including psoriasis. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on physical symptoms in patients with psoriasis. Methods: This study was designed as a quasi-experimental study. Experimental group received 10 sessions of mindfulness training. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was measured before, at the end, and 45 days after treatment in all recruited patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings: There was a significant differences in physical symptoms of psoriasis (PASI score) between experimental and control groups both at the end of the treatment, and 45-days follow-up period (P < 0.05 for both). Conclusion: Based on these results, mindfulness-based stress reduction program could potentially be considered as an effective method to relief physical symptoms in patients with psoriatic.

Keywords

• Psoriasis
• Mindfulness
• Emotional stress