Group- Versus Individual-Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: a Randomized Trial

Group- Versus Individual-Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Patients With a Chronic Somatic Disease and Comorbid Depressive Symptoms: a Randomized Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether both group and individual mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are effective in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with a chronic somatic disease.

Depression is a common co-morbidity in patients with a chronic somatic disease which has a negative impact on patients' physical and mental health. In recent years, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has gained interest and popularity as a treatment not only for preventing recurrence of depression, but also to treat current symptoms. Usually, the training is delivered in group format, thus little is known about the feasibility and effectiveness of MBCT as an individual training.

This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness and feasibility of group and individual MBCT in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with a chronic somatic disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic somatic disease
• Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 70
• Depressive symptoms as assessed by BDI-II score ≥ 14 (cut-off score indicating the presence of at least mild symptoms of depression)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not being able to read and write Dutch
• Severe (psychiatric) co-morbidity
• Acute suicidal ideations or behavior
• Receiving an alternative psychological treatment during or less than two months prior to starting the participation in the study

Using an antidepressant drug during participation in the present study is allowed, on condition that a patient has been on stable medication regimen for at least two months prior to inclusion in the study, and that no new treatment with an antidepressant is initiated during the course of the study