Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression after traumatic brain injury: responders’ characteristics
Hillary Maxwell, Sacha Dubois, Dwight Mazmanian, Lana J. Ozen, Carrie Gibbons, Michel Bédard
The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist 2025 DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x24000485 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals with traumatic brain injury and depression symptoms |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Among people with traumatic brain injury and depression, only higher baseline pain was associated with lesser effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; other baseline factors, including cognitive impairment, did not predict poorer response. The authors conclude MBCT is a good treatment option for most individuals with depression following TBI. |
Abstract
Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can alter day-to-day life. While changes in cognition and physical function are most often cited, emotional disturbances, notably depression, are also common. For individuals who experience depression symptoms, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may afford the opportunity to address these symptoms by teaching skills to mitigate negative thought patterns and foster acceptance. Yet, as with any treatment for depression, MBCT may not be the best fit for everyone. According to the literature, characteristics such as age, gender, and baseline mindfulness or pain levels have the potential to affect treatment response. While these factors have yet to be explored within a TBI sample, we must additionally consider whether possible cognitive impairment due to TBI plays a role in treatment response. Drawing from an earlier multi-site randomized controlled trial to explore the efficacy of MBCT for depression in a TBI sample, the current study examined the associations between a number of baseline factors (demographic, emotional, physical, and cognitive) and decreased depression scores post-intervention. Partial correlations adjusted for gender. Findings indicated that only higher levels of pain at baseline were associated with lesser effectiveness of the intervention. MBCT offers a good treatment option for most individuals experiencing depression following TBI. Key learning aims (1) To explore factors associated with treatment response to MBCT for depression after TBI. (2) To understand how cognitive impairment resulting from TBI need not preclude treatment response. (3) To reflect on the role of pain in treatment response.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 5
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- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Recurrent MDD Patients With Residual Symptoms: Alterations in Resting-State Theta Oscillation Dynamics Associated With Changes in Depression and Rumination. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022