Application of Mindfulness-Based Therapies in Treatment of Bodily Distress Syndrome

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Behavioral Sciences Research Center AND Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Mindfulness and psychotherapy integration movement has begun since the 1970s. Mindfulness-based therapies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), are widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic medical conditions. These therapies focus on the present moment awareness and acceptance as an important aspect of treatment. One of the major public health problems is functional somatic syndromes and somatization. There are a few effective treatments for them. These two problems have been united with the term as bodily distress syndrome (BDS); the clear somatic basis has not been found. Of the new therapies in the treatment of bodily distress syndrome are mindfulness-based therapies. These therapies, via mind and body awareness training and connection between mind and body, increase brain gray matter in the insula, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. They increase activity of the left frontal areas elevating mood and boost the immune system, too. These therapies improve mental performance related to its acceptance and decrease the symptoms of bodily distress syndrome.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 33, Issue 348 - Serial Number 348
July and August 2015
Pages 1430-1439

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 February 2014
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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