The Effects and Mechanisms of MBCT on Depressive Symtoms and Depression Relapse

描述（由申请人提供）：本研究计划旨在阐明MBCT在复发性重度抑郁症缓解人群中的疗效和机制。本研究的第一个目的是复制先前的研究结果，即MBCT对减少抑郁症状和抑郁复发率的影响。然而，本提案旨在通过采用随机对照设计，并将MBCT与主动对照条件（ACC）的效果进行比较，为文献做出新的贡献。使用设计良好的ACC将使我们能够控制混杂变量，如社会支持和预期结果，从而使我们能够确定MBCT特有的因素是否会导致其有益效果（目的1）。以往的MBCT研究很大程度上依赖于自我报告的测量方法，限制了关于MBCT本质的有效结论。此外，很少有研究探讨MBCT对抑郁症状和复发的潜在影响机制。理论考虑和初步的经验证据表明，情绪、生理和认知功能是MBCT有希望的机制。因此，我们建议使用自我报告、自主神经系统来评估MBCT的每一种潜在机制

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This research proposal is intended to elucidate the efficacy and mechanisms underlying MBCT in a population in remission from recurrent MDD. The first objective of the study is to replicate previous studies' findings of MBCT's effects on decreasing depressive symptoms and depression relapse rates. However, this proposal aims to make a novel contribution to the literature by using a randomized, controlled design, and comparing the effects of MBCT to an active control condition (ACC). The use of a well-designed ACC will enable us to control for confounding variables such as social support and expected outcomes, thus allowing us to determine whether elements specific to MBCT lead to its salutary effects (Aim 1). Previous MBCT studies have largely relied on self-report measurement methodologies, limiting valid conclusions about the nature of MBCT. Further, few studies have examined the mechanisms underlying effects of MBCT on depressive symptoms and relapse. Theoretical considerations and preliminary empirical evidence suggest emotional, physiological, and cognitive functioning to be promising mechanisms of MBCT. Therefore, we propose to assess each of these potential mechanisms of MBCT using self-report, autonomic physiological, and reaction time tasks. (Aim 2). Collectively, these aims are expected to strengthen the evidence base for MBCT while cultivating a scientific model for its effects and mechanisms on decreasing depressive symptoms and depression relapse rates. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The grave public health concern that by 2020 depression will be the second largest contributor to ill-health world-wide has resulted In a surge of interventions aimed at reducing the severity of depressive symptoms and decreasing depression relapse. Some research on CAM treatments for depression suggests meditation to be a promising intervention. In particular, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a structured mindfulness meditation intervention, has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and depression relapse rates associated with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD). While MBCT studies are promising, further rigorous research must be conducted in order to determine the efficacy, specificity, and mechanisms underlying MBCT for depression. Cultivating empirical support and a scientific model of MBCT is vital to its flourishing therapeutic value, validity, and availability to a diverse population of depression sufferers.