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.