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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Individualized rTMS Treatment for Depression using an fMRI-Based Targeting Method

Individualized rTMS Treatment for Depression using an fMRI-Based Targeting Method

Published on: August 2, 2021

Metta-Based Therapy for Chronic Depression: a Wait List Control Trial.

Ulrich Stangier¹, Artjom Frick¹, Isabel Thinnes¹

¹Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Varrentrappstr. 40-42, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

|April 26, 2024

Summary

Metta-based therapy (MBT), combining loving-kindness meditation and therapy, significantly improved chronic depression symptoms. These positive effects on depression, rumination, and social functioning were maintained at six-month follow-up.

Keywords:

Chronic depression Cognitive behavioral therapy Loving kindness Metta Mindfulness meditation Persistent depressive disorder

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2025

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Published on: August 11, 2015

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Clinical Psychology
Mindfulness Research

Background:

Current chronic depression treatments primarily target negative affect and interpersonal issues.
There is a need to explore interventions that also promote positive affect and prosocial motivation.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of metta-based therapy (MBT) in treating chronic depression.
To compare MBT's effectiveness against a wait list control group.

Main Methods:

Forty-eight patients with persistent depressive disorder were randomized to MBT or a wait list control.
Outcomes, including depressive symptoms, were assessed post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

MBT demonstrated significant improvements in clinician-rated and self-rated depression compared to the control group.
Participants receiving MBT showed enhanced behavioral activation, reduced rumination, and improved social functioning, mindfulness, and emotion regulation.
These improvements were largely achieved during the group meditation phase and were sustained at follow-up.

Conclusions:

Metta-based therapy (MBT) shows preliminary effectiveness in treating chronic depression.
The findings suggest MBT is a promising intervention for improving depressive symptoms and related psychological factors.