Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology January 1, 2004 S. Helen Ma, John D. Teasdale 1,401 citations
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) added to usual care reduced relapse from 78% to 36% in recovered depressed patients with three or more previous episodes, replicating earlier findings. In patients with only two recent episodes, relapse rates were 20% with usual care and 50% with MBCT. MBCT was most effective at preventing relapses not preceded by life events. Relapses in the two-episode group were more often linked to significant life events. The two-episode group reported less childhood adversity and later first depression onset, suggesting distinct populations. MBCT is an effective way to prevent relapse in patients with three or more previous episodes.