The Long-Term Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as a Relapse Prevention Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

• Published in: Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy 2010-10, Vol.38 (5), p.561-576
• Main Authors: Mathew, Kate L., Whitford, Hayley S., Kenny, Maura A., Denson, Linley A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Aged; Behavior; Behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Chronic Disease; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive therapy; Cognitive Therapy - methods; Depression; Depressive Disorder, Major - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder, Major - prevention & control; Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intervention; Long-Term Care; long-term outcome; Male; Medical sciences; Meditation; Meditation - psychology; Mental depression; Middle Aged; Mindfulness; Mood disorders; Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychometrics; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychotherapy, Group - methods; Retreatment; rumination; Secondary Prevention; Studies; Treatments
• ISSN: 1352-4658; 1469-1833
• DOI: 10.1017/S135246581000010X

Background: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse prevention treatment for major depressive disorder. Method: An observational clinical audit of 39 participants explored the long-term effects of MBCT using standardized measures of depression (BDI-II), rumination (RSS), and mindfulness (MAAS). Results: MBCT was associated with statistically significant reductions in depression from pre to post treatment. Gains were maintained over time (Group 1, 1–12 months, p = .002; Group 2, 13–24 months, p = .001; Group 3, 25–34 months, p = .04). Depression scores in Group 3 did begin to worsen, yet were still within the mild range of the BDI-II. Treatment variables such as attendance at “booster” sessions and ongoing mindfulness practice correlated with better depression outcomes (p = .003 and p = .03 respectively). There was a strong negative correlation between rumination and mindful attention (p < .001), consistent with a proposed mechanism of metacognition in the efficacy of MBCT. Conclusion: It is suggested that ongoing MBCT skills and practice may be important for relapse prevention over the longer term. Larger randomized studies of the mechanisms of MBCT with longer follow-up periods are recommended.