For people with recurrent depression, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces the risk of depressive relapse within a 60-week follow-up period compared with usual care or other active treatments, including antidepressants. A meta-analysis of individual patient data from 9 randomized trials involving 1258 patients (mean age 47.1 years, 75% female) found that those receiving MBCT had a 31% lower risk of relapse versus no MBCT (hazard ratio 0.69), and a 21% lower risk versus other active treatments (hazard ratio 0.79). Sociodemographic and psychiatric variables did not significantly modify the treatment effect, but greater severity of depressive symptoms before treatment was associated with a larger benefit from MBCT.
An online mindfulness program for women with breast or gynecological cancer reduced depression with a medium effect size compared to a control group, though other psychological measures like anxiety, spiritual well-being, and post-traumatic growth showed only favorable trends without statistical significance. At three months, most effects diminished. Qualitative interviews revealed four themes: a safe environment, skill acquisition, enhanced well-being, and exposure to cancer memories. The latter prompted beneficial inner work for most but was deeply challenging for four participants. The program fostered self-exploration and self-efficacy, but challenging experiences also emerged.