Virtual Patient Groups for Sarcoidosis Associated Fatigue
The Cleveland Clinic
Summary
This research study is testing whether Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can help reduce fatigue in people with sarcoidosis. The study will also look at whether MBSR can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants will be placed into one of two groups: * One group will take part in an 8-week virtual MBSR program, attend weekly online sessions, keep a daily mindfulness journal, and complete surveys about fatigue, anxiety, and depression. * The other group will join a virtual support group once a month for 5 months and complete the same surveys. The goal is to see which approach is more helpful for improving fatigue and mental well-being in people with sarcoidosis.
Description
Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom of sarcoidosis. There are currently no approved treatments for sarcoidosis associated fatigue. We are testing an MBSR intervention based on previous work showing improvement of sarcoidosis associated fatigue with mindfulness interventions. Participants will be adults diagnosed with sarcoidosis per self report and experiencing significant fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale \[FAS\] score ≥22). Participants will be recruited through Cleveland Clinic and partnering sarcoidosis clinics. Recruitment includes both in-person and virtual strategies using ele…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Self reported diagnosis of sarcoidosis * Fatigue defined as FAS score ≥ 22 * Age ≥ 18 years old * Ability to speak and read English * Access to internet * Capacity to consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current daily meditation practice * Prior history of engaging in formal mindfulness-based interventions including: MBSR, MBCT, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy * Any condition that would prevent being a suitable candidate for the group intervention (as determined by screening interview) including suicidal ideation. * Lack of access to any form o…
Interventions
- BehavioralVirtual Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Group
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is an evidence-based, manualized 8-week group program designed to improve coping with chronic physical and psychological symptoms. MBSR emphasizes mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and gentle movement to cultivate nonjudgmental awareness of present-moment experiences and reduce stress reactivity. The intervention will be delivered in a virtual group setting.
- BehavioralVirtual sarcoidosis support group
Participants attend a once-monthly, virtual support group via secure video conferencing. Each session includes a brief didactic presentation on topics relevant to living with chronic illness (e.g., symptom management, coping strategies, navigating healthcare) followed by a facilitated group discussion. The discussion emphasizes peer support, shared experiences, and emotional processing in a safe, respectful environment. Groups are led by an experienced facilitator with experience in chronic illness care. No home practice is required.
Location
- Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio