Adverse Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adverse Effects of Mindfulness Behavioural Cognitive Therapy. Quantitative and Qualitative Study.
IRAS ID
148260
Contact name
Florian Ruths
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Research summary
Adverse effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, (MBCT). A Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Past and Current MBCT Participants.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, (MBCT), has a strong evidence base underlying its use as treatment for people with a history of chronic and relapsing depression, under NICE guidelines. MBCT has been shown to halve relapse rates in chronic depression and is a cost-effective, efficacious alternative or addition to maintenance antidepressant medication. Currently, little is reported on potential adverse effects of MBCT, despite strong anecdotal reports from experienced MBCT teachers concerning observations of physical effects; e.g. syncope (fainting), musculoskeletal injury and temporary muscle weakness and psychological effects; derealisation/depersonalisation, lowered mood, and exacerbation of psychosis. This study seeks to explore and define adverse experiences of MBCT participants through semi-structured interviewing and subsequent self-report questionnaires. This study is of relevance to patients and the public in terms of improving advisory information given by practitioners and clinicians when informing participants of MBCT about risks and benefits to treatment. Findings could improve the identification of potential ‘at-risk’ groups and facilitate a system for reporting of adverse effects of MBCT. Experienced practitioners of MBCT will be approached for preliminary interviews to identify explicit observed or reported adverse effects of MBCT in clinical practice. Interviews with individuals from past or current cohorts of MBCT, as identified by qualified MBCT practitioners will be conducted to gather detailed information concerning personal experiences of adverse effects of MBCT. Self-report questionnaires to gather further information concerning adverse experiences of MBCT will be circulated to other past and current participants of MBCT. Participants will be recruited from MBCT groups held at Maudsley Hospital and funding will be provided by King’s College London. Consent will be obtained prior to any testing and full information concerning the study and a research contact will be made available throughout.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1087
Date of REC Opinion
19 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion