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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Late-Life Depression: a Randomised Controlled Trial
V W Y Shih1, W C Chan1, O K Tai1
1Department of Psychiatry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong.
Summary
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) effectively reduces depressive symptoms and improves cognitive functions like memory specificity and mindfulness in older adults. While an active control also reduced depression, only MBCT specifically targeted rumination and autobiographical memory.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Older adults with depression often exhibit rumination and overgeneral autobiographical memory.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) theoretically addresses these cognitive dysfunctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MBCT in older adults with active depressive symptoms.
- To explore the cognitive mechanisms through which MBCT may exert its effects.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 57 older adults with mild to moderate depression.
- Participants were assigned to either an 8-week MBCT program or an active control group.
- Outcomes measured included depressive symptoms (HAMD), rumination (RRS), autobiographical memory (AMT), and mindfulness (MAAS).
Main Results:
- Both MBCT and the active control group showed significant reductions in depressive symptom severity.
- Only the MBCT group demonstrated significant improvements in autobiographical memory specificity, reduced rumination, and increased mindfulness.
Conclusions:
- MBCT is effective in improving cognitive functions beyond symptom reduction in older adults with depression.
- Findings support the theoretical basis of MBCT for addressing dysfunctional cognitions.
- Older adults with more severe depression and cognitive issues may particularly benefit from MBCT.
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