Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on neuropeptide Y plasma levels in stressed individuals

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have suggested that dysregulation of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system may play a role in psychiatric disorders, including chronic stress. Meanwhile, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown promise for stress-related maladies. However, no studies have explored whether MBSR can change plasma NPY concentration in stressed individuals.

METHOD: Individuals with symptoms of chronic stress were randomly assigned to eight weeks of either MBSR (n = 15), a locally-developed stress reduction intervention (LSR) (n = 15) or a wait-list control group (n = 20). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at a twelve-week follow-up to determine the effects of MBSR or LSR compared to the wait-list control group on NPY levels.

RESULTS: The MBSR group had increased plasma NPY levels after the program compared to the waitlist control group, whereas the LSR group was not statistically different from the other groups.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study provides evidence of the feasibility of MBSR to alter plasma NPY.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research
Volume181
Pages (from-to)400-404
Number of pages5
ISSN0022-3956
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Mindfulness
  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Occupational stress

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