What question did this study set out to answer?

May 6, 2026Open Access

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions and meditation for psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

This study evaluates the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions and meditation on psoriasis severity and quality of life.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (N=406).
Included studies compared MBIs or meditation to placebo or standard medical treatment.
Assessed risk of bias and performed analyses using RevMan 5.3.
MBIs improved quality of life (SMD = −0.93, 95% CI [−3.65, 1.80], P = 0.36), despite high heterogeneity (I² = 95.8%).
No significant effects were found on anxiety (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI [−1.17, 0.23], P = 0.14) or depression (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI [−0.62, 0.23], P = 0.18).
No significant impact on psoriasis severity (SMD = −0.50, 95% CI [−1.81, 0.80], P = 0.31).

Abstract

ABSTRACT Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin illness that has a significant impact on both psychological health and overall quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been presented as complementary approaches that may help reduce disease severity and enhance patient-reported outcomes. This study aims to assess how beneficial meditation and MBIs are in reducing psoriasis severity and improving the quality of life. A thorough search was conducted across different databases to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving individuals with psoriasis. Eligible studies compared MBIs or meditation with placebo or standard medical treatment, while non-RCTs and studies not involving psoriasis patients were excluded. The risk of bias (RoB2) tool was used to assess the RoB, and RevMan 5.3 was used to conduct a random-effects meta-analysis. Six RCTs involving 406 patients met the inclusion criteria. MBIs significantly improved quality of life, as measured by the dermatology life quality index (standardized mean difference SMD = −0.93, 95% confidence interval CI −3.65, 1.80, P = 0.36), despite substantial heterogeneity ( I 2 = 95.8%). However, no statistically significant effects were observed on anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS-Anxiety: SMD = −0.47, 95% CI −1.17, 0.23, P = 0.14), depression (HADS-Depression: SMD = −0.20, 95% CI −0.62, 0.23, P = 0.18), or psoriasis severity self-administered psoriasis area and severity index: SMD = −0.50, 95% CI −1.81, 0.80, P = 0.31). In conclusion, mindfulness-based interventions and meditation show promising potential in improving the quality of life for those with psoriasis. However, their effects on anxiety, depression, and disease severity remain uncertain due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures. Larger, high-quality RCTs with established methodologies are required to clarify their therapeutic value in psoriasis management.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions and meditation for psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider