Adapting Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Clinical Case Study
Stuart J. Eisendrath, M. Chartier, Maura Mclane
Cognitive and Behavioral Practice August 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2010.05.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A woman with long-standing treatment-resistant depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Argues that a modified version of MBCT, incorporating metaphors and adaptations, can be applied to treat TRD, as illustrated by a clinical case. The paper suggests this approach may help address the limited effectiveness of current treatments for TRD. |
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently ranked the third leading cause of disability in the world. Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) causes the majority of MDD's disability. Strikingly, 50% of individuals with MDD will fail to remit with two adequate trials of antidepressant medications, thus qualifying as treatment resistant. Current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment strategies for TRD are limited in effectiveness so new interventions are needed. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a new psychotherapeutic treatment with established efficacy in preventing relapse of depression for individuals in complete remission. MBCT is a group-based, 8-week intervention that uses mindfulness meditation as its core therapeutic technique. It teaches people to have a different relationship to depressive thoughts and feelings. Strategies are focused on decreasing rumination, enhancing self-compassion, increasing acceptance and decreasing avoidance. This modified version of MCBT, which includes the use of metaphor and adaptations of the original intervention will be discussed through the clinical case of a woman with long-standing TRD. A brief review of the current MBCT literature and future directions for the treatment of TRD are discussed.