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

Abstract

Background: 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.  

Methods: 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.  

Results: 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). 

 Conclusion: 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.