The Long-Term Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as a Relapse Prevention Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

It is suggested that ongoing MBCT skills and practice may be important for relapse prevention over the longer term. Larger randomized studies of the mechanisms of MBCT with longer follow-up periods are recommended.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress

“…Furthermore, another compelling study found that MBCT appears to be as effective as CBT in the treatment of current depression. 214 Thus, while strong evidence for the use of MPs currently exists, additional studies are needed to further delineate the indications for their use and resolve some conflicting results. An important concern is the lack of long-term adherence data.…”

“…226 The strongest evidence is for relapse prevention in unipolar illness. 2,4,[210][211][212][213][214][215]227 Recent meta-analyses 2,227 have concluded that MBCT is effective for reducing relapses in those with three or more prior episodes. Additional conclusions from one of these studies 2 were that effectiveness for relapse prevention was similar to antidepressants at 1 year and that augmentation with MBCT could be useful for reducing residual depressive symptoms.…”

“…228,229 Furthermore, a recent study found that MBCT appeared to be as effective as CBT in the treatment of current depression. 214 A recent review and meta-analyses addressed the effectiveness of MPs for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, with a specific focus on patients with anxiety disorders and depression. 230 Thirty-nine studies using MBSR or MBCT or interventions closely modeled on these treatments were included in the analysis.…”

Relationships between amount of post-intervention mindfulness practice and follow-up outcome variables in an acceptance-based behavior therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The importance of informal practice

“…Sephton et al (2007) found that, in a community sample of women with fibromyalgia who completed an MBSR program, those who reported continuing to engage in formal mindfulness practice at the two-month follow-up period reported the greatest reduction in depressive symptoms. In a study of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), improvements in depressive symptoms over follow-up periods ranging from 12 to 34 months were significantly associated with both duration and frequency of post-treatment formal and informal mindfulness practices, although the authors did not describe their practice measures (Mathew et al 2010). The remaining studies, three with participants in MBSR programs (Davidson et al 2004; Kabat-Zinn et al 1987; 1992) and one following a 10-day intensive mindfulness meditation retreat (Ostafin et al 2006), did not find significant relationships between amount of post-intervention practice and longer-term outcomes.…”

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

“…MBCT appears to be equivalent to maintenance medication for relapse prevention [ 13 -15 ]. Gains from MBCT treatment were maintained over a 34-month follow-up period in one study [ 16 ] and 5-year follow-up period in another [ 17 ].…”