Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2000 Aug;68(4):615-23. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.68.4.615.

Abstract

This study evaluated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a group intervention designed to train recovered recurrently depressed patients to disengage from dysphoria-activated depressogenic thinking that may mediate relapse/recurrence. Recovered recurrently depressed patients (n = 145) were randomized to continue with treatment as usual or, in addition, to receive MBCT. Relapse/recurrence to major depression was assessed over a 60-week study period. For patients with 3 or more previous episodes of depression (77% of the sample), MBCT significantly reduced risk of relapse/recurrence. For patients with only 2 previous episodes, MBCT did not reduce relapse/recurrence. MBCT offers a promising cost-efficient psychological approach to preventing relapse/recurrence in recovered recurrently depressed patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / prevention & control*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Survival Analysis
  • Thinking*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents