Efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in mitigating depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among institutionalized patients with major depressive disorder: findings from a randomized controlled trial.
Zulkiflu Musa Argungu, Ali Alhaiti, Ebtesam Abdulrahman Jibreel
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience June 12, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-026-02288-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 101 |
| Population | Institutionalized patients with Major Depressive Disorder in two psychiatric institutions in northern Nigeria |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy standard pharmacological care |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Randomized controlled trial Suicidal ideation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation compared to standard pharmacological care alone, with effects maintained at 3-month follow-up. |
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) represents a significant global health challenge, with elevated risks of suicidal ideation. This study evaluated the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in mitigating depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among institutionalized patients with MDD in Nigeria. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 101 participants (MBCT: n = 50, Control: n = 51) in two psychiatric institutions in northern Nigeria. The 8-week MBCT intervention was compared to standard pharmacological care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8 (primary endpoint), and 3-month follow-up using the BDI-II and BSI. The primary analysis used linear mixed-effects models; repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted as a supplementary analysis. MBCT significantly reduced BDI-II scores compared to controls at week 8 (between-group difference: -9.4, 95% CI: -12.0 to -6.8, p < 0.001) and 3-month follow-up (-6.7, 95% CI: -9.5 to -3.9, p < 0.001). Similar reductions were observed in BSI scores at week 8 (-5.7, 95% CI: -7.7 to -3.7, p < 0.001) and follow-up (-3.9, 95% CI: -6.0 to -1.8, p < 0.001). Large effect sizes were observed for both measures (Cohen's d: 0.92-1.38). MBCT demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among institutionalised Nigerian patients with MDD, with effects maintained at 3-month follow-up. These findings suggest that MBCT is a promising adjunct to standard care for institutionalized patients with MDD in this setting. Larger, multisite trials with active comparators are warranted before broader clinical integration in LMICs is recommended. Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: PACTR201902545863137).
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 14
- Individual participant data systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessing adult mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical settings. Nature Mental Health July 10, 2023
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Mental Health and Psychological Quality of Life among University Students: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2024
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- Differentiating mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy clinically: the why, how, and what of evidence-based practice. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- Mindfulness-based randomized controlled trials led to brain structural changes: an anatomical likelihood meta-analysis. Scientific Reports October 27, 2023
and 9 more in the library