Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy against suicidal ideation in patients with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can effectively prevent relapse of major depression, but there is currently insufficient evidence for efficacy against suicidal ideation during depressive episodes. We thus conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MBCT to treatment as usual (TAU) for suppression of suicidal ideation in patients with current depression.Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases for RCTs published in English or Chinese between January 1, 2000, and August 30, 2021. Pooled data were compared between MBCT and TAU groups using a random-effects model.Findings Seven RCTs with a total of 479 participants were included. Suicidal ideation and general depression scores were significantly improved following MBCT compared to TAU [Suicidal Ideation: standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.33, 95 % CI, -0.56 to -0.10; Depression: SMD = -0.96, 95%CI, -1.54 to -0.38].Interpretation Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in depressed patients.Trial registration This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered at PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (CRD42021285016).
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Integrating mindfulness into manualized group treatments has potential for treating depression and anxiety disorders and preventing relapse in these conditions.
“By integrating mindfulness into manualized group treatments such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), there is potential for not only treating individuals afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders but also preventing relapse in these conditions [12–18].”
From Emotion Regulation as a Mechanism of Mindfulness in Individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders (2024) · cites this paper as [13]
A systematic review and meta-analysis including 7 RCTs with 479 participants showed depression scores improved following MBCT compared to TAU (SMD -0.96, 95% CI -1.54 to -0.38).
“a systematic review and meta-analysis including 7 RCTs with a total of 479 participants has shown that depression scores have been improved following MBCT compared to TAU (SMD: -0.96, 95% confidence interval: -1.54 to -0.38) [37].”
From Mindfulness-based Practices in Workers to Address Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review (2023) · cites this paper as [37]
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- Authors
- Zhang, B., Fu, W., Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Jiang, C., Li, X., & He, K.
- Affiliations
- Anhui Medical University (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Li, Xiaoming
- He, Kongliang
- Venue
- Journal of Affective Disorders
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2022-12
- Volume
- 319
- Pages
- 655-662
- ISSN
- 0165-0327 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4297200791
- Cited by
- 47
- References
- 36
- Citations by year
- 2026: 10 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 6 · 2021: 1
- FWCI
- 1.50
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Affective Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, suicidal ideation, depression, usual care, depressive symptoms, depression relapse prevention, psychotherapy efficacy
- MeSH terms
- Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Humans, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Suicidal Ideation, Mindfulness
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