Yoga, Mindfulness and Cognitive Psychotherapy as Treatment for Stress and Burnout

Yoga, Mindfulness and Cognitive Psychotherapy as Treatment for Stress and Burnout

The purpose of this study is to investigate if treatment with yoga or mindfulness has a more profound and longstanding effect on stress and burnout than treatment with cognitive psychotherapy alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• On sick leave at least 50% at the beginning of the study.
• Sick leave for a maximum of 1 year if on full-time sick leave at the beginning of the study or for a maximum of 3 years if on part-time sick leave at the beginning of the study.
• Speak Swedish well enough to participate in the study interventions.
• Body mass index (BMI) of between 18 and 30.
• Meet the diagnostic criteria for burnout syndrome from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medication, including all medication or topical skin preparations with cortisone in any form. Exceptions: Antidepressants, contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism if hormone levels were within the normal range, and hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms. To receive an exception for medication, a participant had to take the same medication at the same dose at both blood tests.