Mindfulness Prevents Relapse in Depression

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) may be just as effective at treating individuals with recurrent depression as antidepressant medication, according to a recent study in the Lancet Journal.  The possible impact for treatment recommendations was discussed in the article,   Mindfulness holds promise for treating Depression, in the March 2015 Monitor on Psychology.  

As illustrated in the Monitor article, "one characteristic of depression is a habit of thinking negatively about experience, one's self or the future. Mindfulness trains people to be more aware of these thoughts and to stand back and simply observe their thoughts passing through their minds — ‘Oh, there I go again, calling myself an idiot' — instead of trying to control their emotions."

The Lancet study found that MBCT is most effective for individuals with a history of severe childhood abuse and those who have experienced three or more prior episodes of depression. As these two groups have been repeatedly found to be at a higher risk for a recurrence of depression, the findings indicate that traditionally treatment resistant depression, may be best treated with MBCT. 

As explained by the study's lead author, Dr. Willem Kuyken, PhD, "People at risk for depression are dealing with a lot of negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about themselves and this can easily slide into a depressive relapse. MBCT helps them to recognize that's happening, engage with it in a different way and respond to it with equanimity and compassion."

To learn more about the findings of the Lancet study and the impact upon treatment recommendations, read Mindfulness holds promise for treating Depression, at the Monitor on Psychology.