Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may prevent depressive relapse
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may offer protection against depressive relapse, according to study results published in Counselling & Psychotherapy Research.
“Depression is a huge public health challenge,” Elisabeth Schanche, PhD, of the department of clinical psychology at the University of Bergen in Norway, told Healio Psychiatry. “A central feature of depression is a negative view of oneself and highly self-critical attitudes. We hoped to contribute to a better understanding of how people who are especially prone to depression can practice treating themselves in ways that protect them from depressive relapse.”
Results of prior studies suggested self-criticism is linked to increased risk for developing recurrent depressive episodes. Since self-criticism may entail various forms, functions and underpinned emotions, Schanche and colleagues noted the importance of investigating its variations and antidotes. In the current study, which was embedded within a randomized efficacy trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), the researchers aimed to assess MBCT’s effects on self-to-self relating within the domains of self-inadequacy, self-hate and the ability to self-reassure. Further, they evaluated whether presence of these forms served to predict depressive relapse among MBCT participants within 2 years of the intervention. They randomly assigned individuals with recurrent depressive disorder to MBCT or a waiting list condition, with those in the former were assessed for depressive relapse at 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up.
Results per the Forms of Self-Criticizing and Reassuring Scale showed a significant improvement in Reassure self (P = .016) and a significant reduction in Inadequate self (P = 0.21) among 26 individuals who completed MBCT vs. 30 individuals assigned to the waiting list condition. The researchers observed no significant changes in Hated self. Within 2 years of the MBCT intervention, improvements in the Reassure self during the intervention predicted depressive relapse non-occurrence.
“The findings show that reassuring oneself when facing difficulties is a skill that can be practiced,” Schanche said. “Being kind and supportive when things are tough can be valuable for all of us. For people struggling with depression, this skill can be of great importance and worth investing time practicing. MBCT offers one path for enhancing the skill of self-reassurance.”