Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Theory and Practice
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 2012 Walter E B Sipe, Stuart J Eisendrath 283 citations
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness-based stress reduction in an 8-session group program. Originally developed to prevent relapse in people with recurrent depression, it has been applied to other psychiatric conditions. MBCT encourages patients to relate differently to thoughts and feelings rather than changing them. Preliminary neuroimaging studies suggest mindfulness improves emotional regulation by enhancing cortical control of limbic circuits and attention. Findings from several randomized controlled trials indicate MBCT is useful for relapse prevention in recurrent depression, with efficacy similar to maintenance antidepressants. Preliminary studies also show promise for active depression, including treatment-resistant cases, and pilot studies have evaluated MBCT in bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.