Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder with Multiple Episodes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Hui-Wen Tseng, Fan-Hao Chou, Ching-Hsiu Chen, Yu-Ping Chang
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health January 14, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021555 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,159 |
| Population | Patients with major depressive disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8 weeks (sessions 1.5-2.5 hours, five times per week) |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Meta-analyses Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Systematic reviews |
| Key findings | Pooled results from 13 randomized controlled trials indicate that MBCT significantly improves depression and suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder. The authors conclude MBCT is relatively convenient and effective for preventing and alleviating these symptoms, while noting that long-term effects remain to be evaluated. |
Abstract
This study synthesizes the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on depression and suicidal ideation among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). During treatment, patients with MDD may experience repeated episodes, negative counseling, and suicidal ideation, which can lead to further depression and ultimately affect quality of life. Recent studies have shown that MBCT can improve the level of depression and suicidal ideation in patients with MDD. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. The literature search for articles up to December 2021 was performed in the following electronic databases: Airiti Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest, and the Index of the Taiwan Periodical Literature System. Records were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved through consensus. The quality of study was evaluated using the Modified Jadad Scale score. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.3.5 software with a random-effects model. Thirteen studies (1159 participants) investigating MBCT for patients with MDD were included. The MBCT sessions lasted 1.5-2.5 h and were delivered by therapists five times per week for 8 weeks. The meta-effects of MBCT among patients with MDD showed significant improvement in depression and suicidal ideation. Future research should evaluate the long-term effects of MBCT. MBCT is relatively convenient and effective for preventing and alleviating depression and suicidal ideation. Further research can provide detailed suggestions for effective MBCT implementation.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 18
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. Journal of Clinical Medicine March 3, 2025
- The effects of mindfulness-based techniques on self-rumination, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression among patients with major depression: a nursing perspective. Journal of Research in Nursing August 1, 2024
- Differentiating mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy clinically: the why, how, and what of evidence-based practice. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder in undergraduate students: Dose- response effect, inflammatory markers and BDNF. Psychiatry Research 2024
- The Efficacy and Durability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine May 1, 2025
and 13 more in the library
Cites 11
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- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for preventing relapse in recurrent depression: A randomized dismantling trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology December 3, 2013
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as a treatment for chronic depression: A preliminary study Behaviour Research and Therapy February 13, 2009
- Effects of mindfulness on meta-awareness and specificity of describing prodromal symptoms in suicidal depression. Emotion February 1, 2010
and 6 more in the library