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Impact of online Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on suicidal ideation: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial of Mindful Mood Balance.

Sona Dimidjian, Julia Kaufman, Natalie Coleman, Joseph J. Lévy, Arne Beck, Robert Gallop, Zindel V. Segal

Journal of Affective Disorders March 15, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.051 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 109
Population Patients with residual depression and a history of attempted suicide or current suicidal ideation
Interventions Mindful Mood Balance (MMB) usual depression care (UDC)
Topics Depression Meditation
Keywords Suicidal ideation Suicide
Key findings Among patients with residual depression and a history of attempted suicide or current suicidal ideation, adding Mindful Mood Balance to usual depression care was associated with a greater rate of reduction in suicidal ideation (d = 0.49) and a greater likelihood of being in a lower severity category (odds ratio = 3.43), as well as reduced depression severity (d = 0.46). The authors suggest that online interventions like MMB may help expand the reach of services for this at-risk group.

Abstract

To address the elevated prevalence of depression, suicide, and suicidal ideation, patients require increased access to effective interventions. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy has a strong evidence base in relapse prophylaxis and can be delivered digitally through Mindful Mood Balance (MMB). This study was a secondary analysis of the impact of MMB paired with usual depression care (UDC) compared to UDC alone on patients in a randomized clinical trial for residual depression (Segal et al., 2020) who had a history of attempted suicide or reported current suicidal ideation (N = 109). MMB relative to UDC was associated with a greater rate of reduction in suicidal ideation (SI; t(103) = 2.50, p = 0.014, d = 0.49, 95% CI [0.09-0.88]) and a greater likelihood of being in a lower severity category of SI (t(103) = 2.02, p = 0.046, odds ratio = 3.43, 95% CI [1.02-11.53]). There was also evidence that MMB reduces depression severity outcomes among this at risk group (t(105) = 2.38, p < 0.02, d = 0.46, 95% CI [0.07-0.85]). Reported findings are based on a subgroup of patients in a clinical trial originally designed to treat residual depressive symptoms. Online interventions, such as MMB, may offer one solution to the challenge of expanding the reach of services for patients with residual depression who are at risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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