Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Does Not Worsen Depression Symptoms, Study Finds
A new meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open, conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Center for Healthy Minds (CHM) and Department of Educational Psychology, along with a multi-university team, has found no evidence that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) increases the risk of worsening depressive symptoms. MBCT is an evidence-based intervention widely used to prevent relapse in individuals with recurrent depression, combining cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness practices like meditation. This study reevaluated individual participant data from nine randomized controlled trials, involving 1,258 adult patients, that were part of a seminal 2016 meta-analysis. The reevaluation specifically focused on symptom worsening post-treatment compared to control conditions. The findings support the continued dissemination of MBCT as an effective treatment for recurrent depression, addressing previous concerns raised by limited studies that suggested potential patient-... 
