Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004 DOI: 10.1037/0022-006x.72.1.31 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Recovered recurrently depressed patients |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Treatment as usual |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Citations | 1,401 |
| Key findings | MBCT reduced relapse from 78% to 36% in patients with three or more previous episodes, but was associated with a higher relapse rate in those with only two episodes. |
Abstract
Recovered recurrently depressed patients were randomized to treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Replicating previous findings, MBCT reduced relapse from 78% to 36% in 55 patients with 3 or more previous episodes; but in 18 patients with only 2 (recent) episodes corresponding figures were 20% and 50%. MBCT was most effective in preventing relapses not preceded by life events. Relapses were more often associated with significant life events in the 2-episode group. This group also reported less childhood adversity and later first depression onset than the 3-or-more-episode group, suggesting that these groups represented distinct populations. MBCT is an effective and efficient way to prevent relapse/recurrence in recovered depressed patients with 3 or more previous episodes.