31 Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of six-session stress reduction program based on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) among Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who experienced chronic stress. Methods In total, 25 patients with SLE were enrolled. The MBCT program comprised two-hour sessions and homework for six weeks. The psychological data were collected through a questionnaire that included the Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). We evaluated the effect of the MBCT on disease activity of SLE. Results The mean scores on BDI-II, BAI, SWLS, and PSS before MBCT were 24.2±10.6, 19.1±9.7, 14.7±6.5, and 20.4±3.82, respectively. Eighteen patients with SLE completed the MBCT program. After the MBCT, their BDI-II, BAI, and PSS improved; 17.4±13.0 (p<0.01), 13.4±7.7 (p=0.04), and 17.9±4.6 (p=0.04), respectively. However, SWLS score was not changed. There was no difference in disease activity between before and after the MBCT. Conclusions This study showed preliminary evidence on the use of the MBCT in reducing the anxiety, depression, and stress of patients with SLE but not disease activity of SLE. Funding Source(s): This research was supported by a grant from the Korea Health Technology R and D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (Grant Number: HI16C0992).