Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Multiple Sclerosis

Inclusion Criteria:

Men and women 18 years of age or older
Definite relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive MS by revised McDonald criteria;
Expanded Disability Severity Scale ≤ 8 at baseline;
Stable on MS disease modifying, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications for three months prior to baseline visit;
Mild to moderate stress defined by a score of ≥ 10 on the Perceived Stress Scale at screening;
Ability to read and write in English;
Willingness to provide informed consent and comply with study activities, including weekly MBSR sessions and daily practice or weekly Education Control classes.

Exclusion Criteria:

MBSR or cognitive behavioral therapy training within the last 5 years;
Current regular meditation or yoga practice (weekly or more often);
MS exacerbation within 30 days of Baseline Visit;
Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score of ≤ 26 at Screening Visit;
Active suicidal ideation (Beck Depression Inventory) at Screening Visit;
Reported or medically recorded diagnoses of current serious psychological disorders other than depression and anxiety;
Other current life-threatening or severely disabling physical disorders;
Positive pregnancy urine test at Baseline and women planning pregnancy during the study period (contraception not required);
Cancer, other than basal or squamous skin cancers; or
Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.