Mindfulness Is More Effective When Antidepressant Treatment Continues

The combination leads to lower risk for relapse in patients with partially or fully remitted recurrent depression.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is as effective as antidepressants in preventing relapse in patients with recurrent major depression. Researchers in a multisite Netherlands study examined whether MBCT alone was as effective as (i.e., “noninferior to”) MBCT with antidepressants in preventing relapse in 249 patients who were taking antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, 76%), had ≥3 prior depressive episodes, and were in either full (53%) or partial (47%) remission.

MBCT was provided in eight 2.5-hour weekly group sessions plus one all-day session; gradual antidepressant taper took place over 5 weeks beginning with session 7. Outcomes were assessed quarterly for 15 months.

Relapse rates were 54% for MBCT alone vs. …

Reviewing Author

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

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Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Mindfulness Is More Effective When Antidepressant Treatment Continues

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Reviewing Author