RESUMEN
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on reducing the psychological and physical symptoms in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A total of 50 patients with PHN from January 2017 to September 2018 were selected into the intervention group and the control group. Both groups received routine care, whereas the intervention group also was given an 8-week of MBSR. Psychological (depression and anxiety) and physical (pain) symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention. The study demonstrated evidence of MBSR effectiveness in reducing depression (p < 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.01), and pain (p < 0.01) scores after intervention for herpetic patients with neuralgia. MBSR can effectively alleviate depression, anxiety, and pain in patients with PHN. Our results provide clinical effectiveness evidence that MBSR works to improve the psychological and physical symptoms with the greatest improvement occurring during the 8-week program.