Comparison of the effectiveness of mindfulness based on stress reduction therapy and neurofeedback training on the clinical symptoms of individual with generalized anxiety disorder: A clinical trial study

Background and Objective: Generalized anxiety disorder is a prevalent, chronic and disabling mental disorder. This study was done to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness based on stress reduction therapy and neurofeedback training on the clinical symptoms of individual with generalized anxiety disorder. Methods: This clinical trial study, was done on 20 individual with generalized anxiety disorder referring to counseling centers in the city of Neyshabur in north-east of Iran during 2017. The subjects were randomly divided into mindfulness based on stress reduction therapy and neurofeedback training. The first group participated in 8 sessions of mindfulness based on stress reduction, while second group participated in sessions of neurofeedback training. The participants completed generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale, Penn state worry questionnaire, intolerance of uncertainty scale and metacognition questionnaire. Results: Both the two methods were effective the reducing the generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, worry, negative belief about worry and intolerance of uncertainty (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between mindfulness based on stress reduction therapy and neurofeedback training in reducing the generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, worry, negative belief about worry and intolerance of uncertainty. Conclusion: Both of the two methods including the mindfulness based on stress reduction therapy and neurofeedback training are effective in reduction of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.