Mindful Meditation for Individuals with Asthma and Anxiety: Promising Results from a Multiple Baseline Study

Asthma is a disease that affects the overall health and quality of life of millions of children and adults in the U.S. In addition to the physical symptoms and the limitations, many people with asthma also experience anxiety. Psychological interventions used in conjunction with standard treatment have successfully reduced anxiety, as well as improved lung functioning among people with asthma. Mindfulness techniques have been shown to reduce anxiety among children, adolescents and adults. This study sought to determine if mindfulness meditation might reduce anxiety and also improve lung functioning. It was found that lung functioning was moderately improved, especially on the day of the sessions, pre and post treatment. Anxiety was also substantially improved during the pre and post in-session treatment.