Application of Mindfulness-Based Therapies in Treatment of Bodily Distress Syndrome

Mindfulness and psychotherapy integration movement has begun since the 1970s. Mindfulness-based therapies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), are widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic medical conditions. These therapies focus on the present moment awareness and acceptance as an important aspect of treatment. One of the major public health problems is functional somatic syndromes and somatization. There are a few effective treatments for them. These two problems have been united with the term as bodily distress syndrome (BDS); the clear somatic basis has not been found. Of the new therapies in the treatment of bodily distress syndrome are mindfulness-based therapies. These therapies, via mind and body awareness training and connection between mind and body, increase brain gray matter in the insula, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. They increase activity of the left frontal areas elevating mood and boost the immune system, too. These therapies improve mental performance related to its acceptance and decrease the symptoms of bodily distress syndrome.