The Role of Mindfulness -Based Cognitive Therapy to Reduce Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults (Case Study)
Moustafa Yacoub
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Qualitative Case report |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 72-year-old man with moderate depression, chronic health issues, and social isolation |
| Duration | 8-week program, 1-month follow-up |
| Measures | Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), weekly session feedback, mindfulness practice logs |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBCT reduced depressive symptoms from a GDS-15 score of 18 to 6, with gains maintained at one-month follow-up, alongside qualitative improvements in self-awareness, rumination, activity engagement, and self-compassion. |
Abstract
This case study examines the application and effectiveness of MBCT in reducing depressive symptoms in a 72-year-old man presenting with moderate depression, chronic health issues, and social isolation. The client participated in an 8-week MBCT program tailored for older adults. Assessment tools included the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), weekly session feedback, and mindfulness practice logs. The client demonstrated significant improvement, with GDS scores decreasing from 18 (moderate depression) to 6 (within normal range) by post-treatment and remaining stable at 1-month follow-up. Qualitative outcomes included increased self-awareness, reduced rumination, re-engagement in valued activities, and enhanced self-compassion. MBCT proved to be a feasible and effective intervention for treating depression in later life. The findings support the adaptability of MBCT for older populations and its potential to promote lasting emotional and cognitive well-being.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |