Combining Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy With Escitalopram for Cognitive and Emotional Recovery in Older Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Zhaohui Wei, Shuxin Zhang, Jia Ma, Yue Zhang, Yanhong Li, Aiping Wen
Journal of Clinical Psychology August 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.70137 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 230 |
| Population | Older adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and cognitive impairment |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) Escitalopram hydrobromide |
| Duration | 12-week intervention with assessments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks |
| Topics | Meditation Depression |
| Keywords | Chronic refractory depression Cognitive impairment Escitalopram hydrobromide Older adults |
| Registration | NCT07077291 |
| Key findings | Adding MBCT to escitalopram hydrobromide significantly improved cognitive function, reduced depressive symptoms, and enhanced quality of life in older adults with TRD compared to escitalopram alone. |
Abstract
This study investigates the adjunctive effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combined with escitalopram hydrobromide on cognitive function and emotional well-being in older adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We hypothesized that this combined approach would lead to greater enhancements in cognitive abilities and overall well-being compared to escitalopram hydrobromide alone in this vulnerable population. A total of 230 older adults with TRD and cognitive impairment were randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental group receiving MBCT plus escitalopram (n = 115) and a control group receiving escitalopram alone (n = 115). Cognitive function, depression severity, and quality of life were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and General Quality of Life Index-74 (GQOLI-74). The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function (MoCA scores) and quality of life (GQOLI-74 scores) compared to the control group at both 6 and 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Additionally, depression severity (HAM-D scores) was significantly reduced in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The combined therapy also resulted in higher rates of significant and effective treatment outcomes, with fewer cases of average or ineffective responses (p < 0.05). The integration of MBCT with escitalopram hydrobromide significantly enhances cognitive function, reduces depressive symptoms, and improves quality of life in older adults with TRD. Clinicians should consider incorporating mindfulness-based interventions alongside pharmacological treatments for older adults with TRD. The trial was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials. gov (Identifier: NCT07077291).
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 13
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- Trial-based economic evaluation of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy compared to treatment as usual for bipolar disorder. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research September 12, 2023
- Evaluation of major depressive disorder using 7 Tesla phase sensitive neuroimaging before and after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Affective Disorders August 15, 2023
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and 8 more in the library