An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care
BMC Psychiatry April 7, 2006 Andy Finucane, Stewart W Mercer 307 citations
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), an 8-week course combining meditation and cognitive theory, was tested with 13 primary care patients experiencing active depression and anxiety. Three months after the course, most patients found the training acceptable and beneficial, though many felt the course was too short and needed follow-up. More than half continued using mindfulness techniques. A minority still had significant distress, especially anxiety. Mean depression scores fell from 35.7 to 17.8, and mean anxiety scores from 32.0 to 20.5. Improvements occurred in 72% of patients for depression and 63% for anxiety. MBCT may help treat active depression and anxiety in primary care.