Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Treatment Non-Responders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depressed Treatment Non-Responders
IRAS ID
209914
Contact name
Thorsten Barnhofer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Depressive disorders are associated with a high burden of disease and often take a recurrent or chronic course. A considerable number of patients do not respond to established treatments. There is thus an important need to improve support for treatment non-responders. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a group-based treatment that combines intensive training in mindfulness meditation with elements from cognitive therapy, was specifically developed to prevent relapse in patients with recurrent depression. However, recent studies suggest that the treatment can have significant beneficial effects in patients who are suffering from current symptoms, and particularly in those suffering from chronic depression. Based on these findings, the current study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of MBCT in depressed treatment non-responders. Patients who are suffering from acute symptoms of depression and failed to respond to a previous course of psychotherapy will participate in an eight-week course of the treatment. We will measure current levels of psychopathology and cognitive risk and resilience factors before and after the treatment and assess acceptability using qualitative interviews.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
16/SS/0167
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion