P02.83. Mindfulness meditation in community dwelling older adults with postherpetic neuralgia

Purpose This pilot study compared usual care alone with usual care plus meditation in relation to anxiety, depression, pain, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN may occur after shingles, and has been described as one of the most intractable neuropathic pain disorders. Older adults develop PHN more often than younger adults. Mindfulness meditation, found to be beneficial in the management of some chronic pain conditions, has not been specifically examined in older adults with PHN.