Mindfulness Training Intervention With the Persian Version of the Mindfulness Training Mobile App for Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common problem for women of reproductive age, affecting various aspects of their lives. While various in-person psychotherapeutic interventions, including Mindfulness therapy, have yielded promising results in reducing PMS symptoms, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, psychotherapists are providing their services via online methods. Therefore, the present study is the first one worldwide to examine whether smartphone-based Mindfulness training can reduce symptoms of PMS and improve the quality of life in women with PMS. We recruited 80 Iranian women (aged 25–45) with PMS through online advertising who were randomly allocated into two groups of 40. The intervention group underwent two online introductory group sessions followed by 8 weeks of Mindfulness practice, while the control group received no intervention. Before and after the intervention, participants completed the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening (PSST) questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Following the intervention, the mean scores of PMS symptoms were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.18). Likewise, the quality of life score was significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.14). Our results indicated that the smartphone-based Mindfulness training intervention could be an effective treatment modality for women with PMS symptoms, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has posed limitations for in-person therapies.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://fa.irct.ir/trial/59924, identifier: IRCT20180607040000N2.

The Effect of a Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction Program on Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These findings are consistent with other studies in which PMSS levels declined in students after an MBSR program intervention. 23,31,32 A controlled clinical trial (n = 30) 8session cognitive disease-based mindfulness therapy reduced PMS symptoms and anxiety in university students through 3 months follow-up. 31 In a similar small controlled trial (n = 30), Shabani and Khalatbari found that 8-session MBSR increased psychological well-being and improved emotion regulation in women.…”

“…A Mindfulness Training mobile app reduced the psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms related to PMS and increased the quality of life of women in a controlled trial of 80 women between 25 and 40 years of age. 32 Similarly, mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy has also been found to be effective in reducing PMS symptoms. 1,33 Mindfulness practices can beneficially affect the mind, autonomic nervous system, stress, immune system, and physical condition.…”

“…30 Mindfulness can improve the physical and psychological health of women with PMS by encouraging the practice of muscle relaxation techniques and reducing aggravating physical responses to stress. 32 In addition, mindfulness helps individuals to be fully aware of their thoughts and feelings, accept these feelings without judgment, and gain the ability to be calm and focused. 32 The current study had several limitations.…”

“…32 In addition, mindfulness helps individuals to be fully aware of their thoughts and feelings, accept these feelings without judgment, and gain the ability to be calm and focused. 32 The current study had several limitations. The trial was conducted in a sample of students at a single university, limiting generalizability to other populations of women.…”

Effects of Yoga for Coping with Premenstrual Symptoms in Taiwan—A Cluster Randomized Study

“…Non-medical therapies generally include alimentary therapeutics [ 14 , 15 ] as well as complementary and alternative medicine such as rest, heat compress, traditional Chinese medicine, lifestyle changes, meditation, regular exercise, etc. [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], which are commonly used. Many recent studies have discussed the effect of exercise on premenstrual symptoms [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], mainly because it is not only convenient, non-invasive, and has low side effects but also maintains overall health.…”