Cognitive reactivity as outcome and working mechanism of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for recurrently depressed patients in remission |
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| Authors: | M B Cladder-Micus J van Aalderen A R T Donders J Spijker J N Vrijsen A E M Speckens |
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| Institution: | 1. Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;2. Pro Persona Mental Health Care, Depression Expertise Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;3. Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;4. Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;5. Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;6. Pro Persona Mental Health Care, Depression Expertise Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | Major depressive disorder is a prevalent condition with high relapse rates. There is evidence that cognitive reactivity is an important vulnerability factor for the recurrence of depression. Mindfulness-based interventions are designed to reduce relapse rates, with cognitive reactivity as one of the proposed working mechanisms. In a randomised controlled trial we compared the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with treatment-as-usual (TAU) on cognitive reactivity in recurrently depressed patients (N?=?115). Depressive symptoms, cognitive reactivity, and mindfulness skills were assessed pre and post treatment. Patients in the MBCT group reported a significantly greater reduction in cognitive reactivity than those in the TAU group (d?=?.51). The reduction of cognitive reactivity appeared to mediate the association between MBCT/TAU and decrease of depressive symptoms, using pre and post scores. The current study provides evidence that MBCT reduces cognitive reactivity and preliminary evidence that cognitive reactivity is a working mechanism of MBCT. |
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| Keywords: | Depression mindfulness cognitive reactivity MBCT relapse |
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