Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Jonathan P. Stange, Lori Eisner, Britta K. Hölzel, Andrew Peckham, Darin D. Dougherty, Scott L. Rauch, Andrew A. Nierenberg, Sara W. Lazar, Thilo Deckersbach
Journal of Psychiatric Practice November 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1097/01.pra.0000407964.34604.03 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople with bipolar disorder often experience cognitive difficulties such as problems with executive functioning, even when their mood is stable. In an open pilot trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), participants reported significant improvements in executive functioning, memory, and the ability to start and complete tasks, as measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale. These cognitive improvements were linked to increases in mindful, nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings, but not to reductions in depression. Gains tended to fade after treatment ended, though some improvements in executive functioning persisted for three months. MBCT may serve as an adjunct to medication for improving cognition in bipolar disorder.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Open pilot trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with bipolar disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Duration | 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Bipolar disorder Psychotherapist Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive processing therapy |
| Citations | 83 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was associated with improvements in self-reported executive functioning, memory, and task initiation in patients with bipolar disorder, with some benefits persisting after three months. |
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is associated with impairments in cognition, including difficulties in executive functioning, even when patients are euthymic (neither depressed nor manic). The purpose of this study was to assess changes in self-reported cognitive functioning in patients with bipolar disorder who participated in an open pilot trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Following MBCT, patients reported significant improvements in executive functioning, memory, and ability to initiate and complete tasks, as measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). Changes in cognitive functioning were correlated with increases in mindful, nonjudgmental observance and awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and were not associated with decreases in depression. Improvements tended to diminish after termination of treatment, but some improvements, particularly those in executive functioning, persisted after 3 months. These results provide preliminary evidence that MBCT may be a treatment option that can be used as an adjunct to medication to improve cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder.