Latest research on Mindfulness for Depression
Mindfulness for depression continues to do well in research.
The latest study found that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for depression was about as effective as anti-depressants. This is the third major study showing MBCT's usefulness. A word of caution: my experience as an MBCT teacher is that is just as effective if a person is taking anti-depressants or not. Any medication decisions need to be taken with your doctor or psychiatrist. Medications don't have much to do with thinking patterns.
The real benefit of MBCT is that it helps a person learn a new way to deal with negative thinking, a new way to be with low self-esteem. I've pasted below parts of an article on the latest study. Major points are highlighted in blue.
Depression Treatment: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy...
ScienceDaily (Dec. 2, 2008) — Research shows for the first time that a group-based psychological treatment, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), could be a viable alternative to prescription drugs for people suffering from long-term depression.
In a study, published December 1, 2008 in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, MBCT proved as effective as maintenance anti-depressants in preventing a relapse and more effective in enhancing peoples' quality of life. The study also showed MBCT to be as cost-effective as prescription drugs in helping people with a history of depression stay well in the longer-term.
The randomised control trial involved 123 people from urban and rural locations who had suffered repeat depressions and were referred to the trial by their GPs. The participants were split randomly into two groups. Half continued their on-going anti-depressant drug treatment and the rest participated in an MBCT course and were given the option of coming off anti-depressants.
Over the 15 months after the trial, 47% of the group following the MBCT course experienced a relapse compared with 60% of those continuing their normal treatment, including anti-depressant drugs. In addition, the group on the MBCT program reported a higher quality of life, in terms of their overall enjoyment of daily living and physical well-being.
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During the eight-week trial, groups of between eight and fifteen people met with one therapist. They learned a range of meditation exercises that they could continue to practice on their own once the course ended. Many of the exercises were based on Buddhist meditation techniques and helped the individual take time to focus on the present, rather than dwelling on past events, or planning for future tasks. The exercises worked in a different way for each person, but many reported greater acceptance of, and more control over, negative thoughts and feelings.
...MBCT takes a different approach – it teaches people skills for life. What we have shown is that when people work at it, these skills for life help keep people well.