Effectiveness of mindfulness based cognitive therapy compared to physical exercise as a follow-up treatment to prevent depressive relapse and maintain recovery
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and physical exercise (PE) are different treatment alternatives that both have been associated with depression risk-reduction. However, there is a lack of evidence whether MBCT has greater efficacy in terms of recovery maintenance and relapse prevention than PE does. A total of 26 participants that previously had undergone cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) at Reykjalundur Rehabilitation Centre were randomly allocated in two different follow-up treatment conditions receiving either MBCT or PE once a week, two hours each time for eight week period. Results showed no changes in depression scores for either MBCT or PE following treatment. However, patients with moderate/severe depression did show symptom reduction as a result of follow-up treatment, especially those receiving MBCT. Finally, individuals that received MBCT did not have greater improvements in attentional control compared to those receiving PE. In conclusion, this comparison research found that both MBCT and PE follow-up treatments are equally effective in maintaining recovery and preventing relapse. This preliminary evidence supports the potential value of examining possible individual differences in follow-up treatment preference, where different alternatives might have different beneficial effects between persons. Keywords: depression, relapse prevention, attention, mindfulness based cognitive therapy, physical exercise
Sálfræði, Hugræn atferlismeðferð, Gjörhygli, Hreyfing (heilsurækt), Psychology, Cognitive therapy, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Exercise
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