A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder

Objective To compare the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy ( MBCT ) plus treatment as usual ( TAU ) to TAU alone for patients with bipolar disorder over a 12‐month follow‐up period. Method Participants with a DSM ‐ IV diagnosis of bipolar disorder were randomly allocated to either MBCT plus TAU or TAU alone. Primary outcome measures were time to recurrence of a DSM ‐ IV major depressive, hypomanic or manic episode; the M ontgomery‐ Å sberg D epression R ating S cale ( MADRS ); and Y oung M ania R ating S cale ( YMRS ). Secondary outcome measures were number of recurrences, the D epression A nxiety S tress S cales ( DASS ), and the S tate T rait A nxiety I nventory ( STAI ). Results Ninety‐five participants with bipolar disorder were recruited to the study ( MBCT  = 48; TAU  = 47). Intention‐to‐treat ( ITT ) analysis found no significant differences between the groups on either time to first recurrence of a mood episode or total number of recurrences over the 12‐month period. Furthermore, there were no significant between‐group differences on the MADRS or YMRS scales. A significant between‐group difference was found in STAI – state anxiety scores. There was a significant treatment by time interaction for the DAS – achievement subscale. Conclusion While MBCT did not lead to significant reductions in time to depressive or hypo/manic relapse, total number of episodes, or mood symptom severity at 12‐month follow‐up, there was some evidence for an effect on anxiety symptoms. This finding suggests a potential role of MBCT in reducing anxiety comorbid with bipolar disorder.