Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on depression and anxiety in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) may reduce depressive symptoms in adults aged 60 years and older compared with control conditions. A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials involving 178 participants found that MBCT was associated with significantly lower depressive symptom severity (pooled effect size Hedges g = -0.92, 95% confidence interval -1.30 to -0.55, with no heterogeneity). Evidence for anxiety and quality-of-life outcomes was limited and could not be pooled, and no trials reported relapse or recurrence. The authors note the evidence base remains small and heterogeneous, calling for larger, methodologically rigorous trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Depression is a prevalent mental health issue among older adults, often exacerbated by chronic illness, social isolation, and age-related cognitive changes. Standard treatments (e.g., pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy) may not always be effective, acceptable, or accessible for this population. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy and may offer a scalable, non-pharmacological approach to late-life depression. To evaluate the effectiveness of MBCT on depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥60 years. Secondary outcomes were anxiety symptoms and quality-of-life indicators when reported. We searched PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MBCT with control conditions in adults aged ≥60 years. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (Hedges g) for depressive symptom severity across scales. Because fewer than 10 studies were available per outcome, publication bias was not formally assessed. Three RCTs (total n = 178) met inclusion criteria. Two RCTs (n = 121) contributed data to the post-intervention meta-analysis of depressive symptoms. MBCT was associated with significantly lower depressive symptom severity than control conditions (pooled Hedges g = -0.92, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.55; I2 = 0%). Evidence for anxiety and quality-of-life outcomes was limited and could not be pooled; no eligible trials reported relapse/recurrence outcomes. MBCT may reduce depressive symptoms in older adults compared with control conditions, but the evidence base remains small and heterogeneous in measures and comparators. Larger, methodologically rigorous trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are needed to clarify effectiveness for anxiety, quality of life, and durability of effects.