MBCT for social anxiety in visible skin conditions

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The effectiveness of mindfulness based cognitive group therapy for social anxiety symptoms in people living with visible skin conditions: A case series of a group intervention

• IRAS ID

  186299

• Contact name

  Kerry Montgomery

• Contact email

  kmontgomery1@sheffield.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Sheffield Teaching hospitals

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 3 months, 21 days

• Research summary

  Social anxiety is an important contributor to poor quality of life in patients living with visible skin conditions. Fear of negative evaluation from others is common in social anxiety, however for people living with visible conditions there is a reality to negative reactions from others. Despite a clear need access to psychological interventions in dermatology is limited and few target the processes underlying social anxiety. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a Mindfulness based cognitive group therapy (MBCT) intervention in reducing symptoms of social anxiety experienced by people living with visible skin condition.
  Mindfulness can be defined as 'Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose in the present moment and non-judgementally' (Kabat- Zinn, 1994). Meditation practices are used to change the focus of attention to become aware of the present moment, reducing habitual tendencies to overthink or to judge and analyse our thoughts. MBCT has been found to be effective in reducing risk of relapse in depression and is currently used as an intervention within the NHS. This study will use the MBCT programme currently employed by the NHS and adapt the psychoeducation material to feature social anxiety. Participants from Sheffield dermatology department who are experiencing clinically significant social anxiety will be invited to attend an 8 week course delivered by a trained MBCT therapist. During the study participants will be asked to complete measures of psychosocial distress and mindfulness which will be used to examine changes over time.

• REC name

  North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/NW/0593

• Date of REC Opinion

  31 Jul 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion