Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as effective as ongoing antidepressant use in warding off return of depression.The Los Angeles Times (12/10, Healy) "Booster Shots" blog reported that, according to a 26-patient study published in the December issue of the Archives of Psychiatry, an "eight-week course of 'mindfulness-based cognitive therapy' works just about as well as ongoing antidepressant use...in warding off repeat flares of depression. And both work better than a placebo (or, presumably, no treatment at all)." The blog entry explained that "mindfulness therapy...consisted of eight weekly group sessions of two hours, a full day retreat late in the study period, and optional one-hour meditation classes." Patients "learned how to reflect upon their feelings and thinking patterns with 'non-judgmental awareness' and 'self-compassion,' and to break the cycle of rumination and emotional paralysis that often afflicts the depressed."
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