Preventing Depression Relapse: A Qualitative Study on the Need for Additional Structured Support Following
Chelsea J Siwik1, Shelley R Adler1, Patricia J Moran1
1Osher Center for Integrative Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health
|April 20, 2023
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) graduates desire additional support to maintain skills and prevent depression relapse. A structured maintenance program could help sustain long-term benefits after the core MBCT course.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is effective in reducing depression relapse.
- Approximately one-third of MBCT graduates relapse within a year of course completion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the need for and optimal strategies for ongoing support following MBCT.
- To identify ways to enhance the long-term benefits of MBCT for graduates.
Main Methods:
- Four focus groups were conducted via videoconferencing with MBCT graduates and teachers.
- Thematic content analysis was used to analyze transcribed focus group sessions.
- A codebook was developed and applied by multiple researchers to identify patterns and themes.
Main Results:
- MBCT graduates highly value the course, with some reporting life-changing benefits.
- Participants face challenges in maintaining MBCT practices and sustaining benefits post-course.
- Both graduates and teachers expressed enthusiasm for a post-MBCT maintenance program.
Conclusions:
- Difficulty in sustaining mindfulness practice after interventions is common.
- MBCT graduates desire additional support to maintain skills and benefits.
- An MBCT maintenance program could improve long-term adherence and reduce depression relapse rates.
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