Follow-up outcomes of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant depression

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based treatment for depression. The current study focused on the long-term outcomes of MBCT for chronically, treatment-resistant depressed patients during a 6-months follow-up period. Additionally, predictors of treatment outcomes were explored. Method: The outcomes of MBCT on depressive symptoms, remission rates, quality of life, rumination, mindfulness skills and self-compassion were investigated in a cohort of chronically, treatment-resistant depressed outpatients (N = 106), who had taken part in an RCT comparing MBCT with treatment-as-usual (TAU). Measures were assessed pre-MBCT, post-MBCT, at 3-months follow-up, and at 6-months follow-up. Results: Results of linear mixed effect models and Bayesian repeated measures ANOVA's reveal that depressive symptoms, quality of life, rumination, mindfulness skills and self-compassion consolidated during follow-up. Remission rates even further increased over the course of follow-up. When controlling for symptoms at baseline, higher baseline levels of rumination predicted lower depressive symptoms and quality of life at 6-month follow-up. No other predictors (i.e. duration of current depressive episode, level of treatment-resistance, childhood trauma, mindfulness skills, self-compassion) were found. Limitations: All participants received MBCT, therefore time or other non-specific effects might have influenced the results and replication studies including a control conditions are needed. Conclusions: Results indicate that the clinical benefits of MBCT for chronically, treatment-resistant depressed patients persist up to 6 months after completing MBCT. Duration of the current episode, level of treatmentresistance, childhood trauma and baseline levels of mindfulness skills and self-compassion did not predict treatment outcome. When controlling for baseline depressive symptoms participants with high levels of rumination seem to benefit more; however more research is needed. Trial Registry: Dutch Trial Registry, number NTR4843.

Automated summary

This study investigated the long-term outcomes of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for chronically, treatment-resistant depressed patients during a 6-month follow-up period. The results showed that MBCT led to improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, rumination, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion, with even further increase in remission rates. However, the study had limitations and replication studies including control conditions are needed to validate the results.