Investigating MBCT mechanisms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating underlying mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
IRAS ID
160802
Contact name
Kate Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Lifetime prevalence of depression is estimated to be 21% and it is projected to be the second contributor to global disease by 2020. Despite successful treatment for current depression, many individuals continue to relapse with an increased risk following each episode: 50 percent after one episode rising to 70 and 90 percent following two and three episodes respectively. This highlights the need for a focus on relapse-prevention treatments.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) provides skills for preventing further relapse for those in remission from major depression. MBCT combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation and is carried out over an eight week group-based programme. Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that MBCT is an effective treatment, however there is little research on the underlying mechanisms which remains unclear.This study will investigate how MBCT works using a mix of computer-based tasks, brain imaging, and questionnaires. A better understanding of the processes involved will allow for MBCT development, a better understanding of who benefits and of the relationship between MBCT and prevention of relapse.
Participants in remission from depression will be recruited from the community and GP practices. They will be invited to receive MBCT plus the research visits, however they can choose to take part in the research visits only. Healthy volunteers will be recruited to provide comparison baseline data. Those undergoing MBCT will take part in the eight-week intervention, whereas those not taking part will have an eight week gap between assessments. A subgroup of participants will also be invited to take part in brain imaging. Participants will be invited for an initial meeting (2-3 hours) to discuss the study and consent. Research visits will take place before and after MBCT (3.5 hours each visit or 5 hours with imaging) with follow-up at three, six, and twelve months.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1389
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion