PREVENT

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Preventing depression relapse / recurrence in NHS settings through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).

• IRAS ID

  13958

• Contact name

  Willem Kuyken

• Sponsor organisation

  Research & Knowledge Transfer

• Eudract number

  2009-012428-10

• ISRCTN Number

  ISRCTN26666654

• Research summary

  Depression is a major public health problem that, like other chronic conditions, tends to run a relapsing and recurrent course, producing substantial decrements in health and well-being. More than 50% of patients experience at least two episodes of depression. Moreover, without ongoing treatment People'suffering recurrent depression suffer relapse / recurrence rates as high as 80%, even after successful acute treatment. Currently, the majority of depression is treated in primary care by GPs and maintenance antidepressant medication (m-ADM) is the usual approach to preventing another episode of depression occurring. To stay well NICE recommends that people with a history of recurring depression continue m-ADM for at least 2 years. However, many patients experience unpleasant side effects, don??t continue to take the medication for as long as they should and also express a preference for psychosocial interventions. Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a psychosocial group-based relapse prevention programme. Existing research into MBCT suggests that it shows the potential to contribute significantly to reducing the prevalence of depression in UK primary care settings. Patients who are aged 18 and over, have a history of 3 or more episodes of depression but are currently well and are currently on a therapeutic dose of antidepressant medication will be eligible to be included in the study: 420 patients will be recruited from primary care. Patients will be randomised to either continue m-ADM treatment or receive a course of MBCT plus GP support to reduce and ultimately stop their antidepressant medication. We are asking the question ?Is MBCT superior to m-ADM in terms of: preventing depressive relapse/recurrence over 24 months; and, secondary outcomes of depression free days, residual depressive symptoms, anti-depressant (ADM) usage, psychiatric co-morbidity, quality of life, and cost effectiveness?? We ask subsidiary interlinked explanatory questions: ??Is an increase in mindfulness skills the key mechanism of change?

• REC name

  South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  09/H0206/43

• Date of REC Opinion

  6 Nov 2009

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion