Meditation-Based Stress Reduction in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction in Relieving Symptoms Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program is useful in relieving symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Inclusion criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of RA, with doctor's letter or doctors' bill with ICD code 714;
• 18 years of age or older;
• Able to read and write English;
• Able to attend 15 course sessions and questionnaire sessions at Kernan Hospital in Baltimore;
• Willing to practice skills for 45 minutes to 1 hour per day, 6 days a week;
• Stable on rheumatoid medications for at least one month.

Exclusion criteria:

• Major psychiatric illness (bipolar disorder, multiple personality disorder, etc.);
• Active alcoholism or drug dependency;
• Scheduled for major surgery during the study period;
• Enrolled in randomized clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis during the study period;
• Planning to move out of the area in the next 12 months;
• Unwilling to be enrolled in a control group;
• Use of assistive device other than a cane;
• Serious health condition(s) that the investigator determines would make it difficult to complete the 6 month study;
• Diagnosis of fibromyalgia.