Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy against suicidal ideation in patients with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (479 participants) found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduced suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms more than treatment as usual in patients with current depression. The effect on suicidal ideation was modest (standard mean difference -0.33) and on depression was larger (-0.96). The authors conclude MBCT is an effective intervention for reducing both outcomes in depressed patients.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can effectively prevent relapse of major depression, but there is currently insufficient evidence for efficacy against suicidal ideation during depressive episodes. We thus conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MBCT to treatment as usual (TAU) for suppression of suicidal ideation in patients with current depression. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases for RCTs published in English or Chinese between January 1, 2000, and August 30, 2021. Pooled data were compared between MBCT and TAU groups using a random-effects model. FINDINGS Seven RCTs with a total of 479 participants were included. Suicidal ideation and general depression scores were significantly improved following MBCT compared to TAU [Suicidal Ideation: standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.33, 95 % CI, -0.56 to -0.10; Depression: SMD = -0.96, 95%CI, -1.54 to -0.38]. INTERPRETATION Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in depressed patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered at PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (CRD42021285016).