A randomized control trial of mindfulness-based intervention in relief of symptoms of anxiety and quality of life in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background and Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder encountered in clinical practice. Anxiety is common in GERD and intensifies symptoms and lowers quality of life. In this study, we looked at the feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in relieving symptoms of anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQL) of these patients using a randomized control trial design. Materials and Methods: A single-center, randomized control trial was conducted to serve as a comparison between MBSR added to treatment as usual (TAU) and to TAU alone in patients with GERD. Pre- and postassessment were done with Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSAS) for assessing anxiety symptoms. GERD-HRQL questionnaire to assess the HRQL and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory to quantify mindfulness cultivated and correlations analyzed. Results: Compared to the group not receiving MBSR, the MBSR group showed a greater decrease in anxiety levels indicated by changes in ZSAS (P < 0.001) and a greater improvement in HRQL indicated by the GERD-HRQL questionnaire (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The change in anxiety scores in the MBSR group was more than that in the control group. MBSR can therefore be effective in alleviation of anxiety symptoms and reducing the levels of distress in GERD patients.