Mindfulness therapy helps with depression

A mindfulness-based therapy is an alternative to medication for people with recurrent depression. This is the conclusion of a British study. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) performed just as well in comparison with antidepressants.

The study team invited 212 patients with a depressive history to an MBCT course. The patients participated in group sessions where they learned guided meditation and improved mindfulness. Especially the present should focus the subjects to recognize early warning signs of a new depression and to respond to them so that they do not trigger a renewed recurrence. During the course, subjects reduced the amount of medication they took.

The results of this group were compared with the results of a control group taking medication for two years. At the end of the study, a similar proportion of patients had relapsed in both groups. Many participants in the therapy group had stopped taking medication.

MBCT is therefore an alternative for patients who either can not or do not want to take long-term medication.

However, the experts warn that MBCT is not suitable for all forms of depression. It is not an option for people with severe depression who have been hospitalized or suicidal. In addition, patients should reduce their medication only in medical care. More here too. (Pm)

Picture: twinlili