Therapeutic Mindfulness and Depression

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) effectively prevents depressive relapse in people with recurrent unipolar depression, supported by systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and inclusion in treatment guidelines. Other mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, are also used to treat depression in groups and individuals. This chapter examines these applications, the evidence base, and the mechanisms of action.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is growing interest in mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention for a variety of physical and mental health conditions, including depression. A major contribution has been the growing evidence base of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for prevention of depressive relapse in those with recurrent unipolar depression, as well as MBCT’s application to other mood disorders, special populations, and mental diagnoses. In addition, other mindfulness-based interventions, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfully informed psychotherapies, are being used to target depression in both groups and individuals. This chapter explores the various applications of mindfulness for depression; its growing evidence base, with emphasis on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and inclusion in treatment guidelines; its putative mechanisms of action and potential mediators and moderators; and future directions.