Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: evaluating current evidence and informing future research.
Helen F Coelho1, Peter H Canter, Edzard Ernst
1Complementary Medicine, Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, Exeter, United Kingdom. helen.coelho@pms.ac.uk
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|December 19, 2007
Summary
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) shows promise for preventing major depression relapse. Evidence suggests MBCT offers benefits alongside usual care for patients with recurrent depression, though specific effects require further study.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Major depression relapse is a significant clinical concern.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a novel intervention aimed at preventing depressive relapse.
- Existing research on MBCT's effectiveness is emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current evidence on MBCT for depression relapse prevention.
- To critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of existing MBCT research.
- To guide future research directions in MBCT.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across 6 electronic databases.
- Inclusion of 4 relevant studies: 2 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 1 subset study, and 1 non-randomized trial.
- Evaluation of study methodologies and discussion of limitations.
Main Results:
- Randomized trials indicate MBCT provides an additive benefit to usual care for patients with three or more prior depressive episodes.
- Findings from RCTs cannot definitively attribute effects to MBCT-specific mechanisms due to control group composition.
- The evidence base for MBCT's clinical effectiveness is still developing.
Conclusions:
- MBCT appears to be a beneficial adjunct to standard care for recurrent major depression.
- Further rigorous research is needed to establish the specific therapeutic effects of MBCT.
- Methodological considerations are crucial for future MBCT trials.
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