title: 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction induces brain changes similar to traditional long-term meditation practice - A systematic review.
abstract: The objective of the current study was to systematically review the evidence of the effect of secular mindfulness techniques on function and structure of the brain. Based on areas known from traditional meditation neuroimaging results, we aimed to explore a neuronal explanation of the stress-reducing effects of the 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program.
  
  
  
  We assessed the effect of MBSR and MBCT (N=11, all MBSR), components of the programs (N=15), and dispositional mindfulness (N=4) on brain function and/or structure as assessed by (functional) magnetic resonance imaging. 21 fMRI studies and seven MRI studies were included (two studies performed both).
  
  
  
  The prefrontal cortex, the cingulate cortex, the insula and the hippocampus showed increased activity, connectivity and volume in stressed, anxious and healthy participants. Additionally, the amygdala showed decreased functional activity, improved functional connectivity with the prefrontal cortex, and earlier deactivation after exposure to emotional stimuli.
  
  
  
  Demonstrable functional and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, insula and hippocampus are similar to changes described in studies on traditional meditation practice. In addition, MBSR led to changes in the amygdala consistent with improved emotion regulation. These findings indicate that MBSR-induced emotional and behavioral changes are related to functional and structural changes in the brain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rinske A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gotink
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rozanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meijboom
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Meike W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Vernooij
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smits
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115 MA, USA. Electronic address: m.hunink@erasmusmc.nl.
authors.forename: M G Myriam
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Hunink
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D063132:Connectome / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods*; D064866:Mindfulness / Q000379:methods*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Functional MRI; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; Structural MRI