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The Process of Change of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for People with Bipolar Disorder: a Qualitative Study

Imke Hanssen, Marieke Boele, Nicole Van der Horst, Marc Lochmann van Bennekom, Eline Regeer, Anne E. M. Speckens

Mindfulness April 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-020-01551-y (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study (nested within a multicenter randomized controlled trial) Peer reviewed
Sample size 16
Population People with bipolar disorder who participated in an 8-week MBCT program; MBCT teachers were also interviewed
Intervention Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Duration 8-week MBCT program
Topics Meditation
Registration NCT03507647
Key findings Participants described three themes: awareness of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behavior and insight into their inter-relationships; behavioral change; and positive consequences following MBCT. The process of change was described as non-linear and iterative. The authors suggest that several cognitive and behavioral processes in bipolar disorder could be potential targets for MBCT and propose future mediation, neuroimaging, and cognitive experimental studies of MBCT as an adjunctive treatment.

Abstract

Abstract:

Objectives: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an emerging psychological treatment that might be beneficial for people with bipolar disorder (BD). Neurocognitive studies suggest that MBCT may have important effects on mood regulation and broad attentional and frontal-executive control in BD. In this qualitative study, the process of change of MBCT in people with BD is explored.

Methods: The current qualitative study was part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) on (cost-)effectiveness of MBCT for BD. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 participants who participated in an 8-week MBCT. For reasons of triangulation, teachers were interviewed as well.

Results: Three themes arose from the data: (1) awareness of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behavior and insight into their inter-relationship; (2) behavioral change; and (3) positive consequences following MBCT. A distinction was made between general aspects and aspects related specifically to BD. Themes were divided into subthemes. Process of change took place in a non-linear, iterative fashion.

Conclusions: Qualitative data support the notion that several cognitive and behavioral processes in BD could be potential targets for MBCT. We suggest that future mediation, neuroimaging, and cognitive experimental studies should explore MBCT as an adjunctive treatment strategy for BD by investigating possible working mechanisms of MBCT in BD.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03507647. Registered 25th of April 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03507647

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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