Clinical perspectives: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mood disorders

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been empirically demonstrated as an effective treatment for mood disorders and associated symptoms. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is one of the MBIs shown to be effective. This chapter describes the MBCT program and how it is thought to reduce the risk of depressive relapse in major depressive disorder (MDD). It summarizes the existing support for MBCT for depressive relapse prevention, as well as the treatment for acute and residual depressive symptoms. The chapter also presents preliminary evidence for the use of MBCT in the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms for bipolar disorder (BD). Special clinical considerations for unique patient factors when applying MBCT to mood disorders are highlighted. The guidelines for the training of potential MBCT instructors are discussed. Finally, this chapter presents preliminary evidence on the feasibility of alternative MBCT delivery formats including individual, online, and over the telephone.