Preventing Depression Relapse: A Qualitative Study on the Need for Additional Structured Support Following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.
Global advances in integrative medicine and health January 1, 2023 Chelsea J Siwik, Shelley R Adler, Patricia J Moran et al. 7 citations
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces depression relapse, but about one-third of graduates relapse within a year. Focus groups with MBCT graduates and teachers revealed that the course is highly valued and sometimes life-changing. However, graduates struggle to maintain mindfulness practices and sustain benefits after the course ends, despite using community groups, apps, or retaking the course. One participant described finishing MBCT as feeling like "falling off a cliff." Both graduates and teachers strongly desired additional support, such as a maintenance program, to help sustain long-term benefits and reduce relapse risk.