Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a standardized meditation program which has been proposed as a therapeutic option for the prevention of relapses in patients suffering from major depression (MD). The aim of the present review and meta-analysis is to provide an estimate of the efficacy of MBCT for MD patients.

A literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, ISI web of knowledge, the Cochrane database, Google scholar and references of retrieved articles. Controlled studies investigating the efficacy of MBCT for MD were entered in the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (RevMan version 5.0).

Reviewed data showed that MBCT in adjunct to usual care was significantly better than usual care alone for reducing MD relpases in patients with 3 or more past episodes of MD. MBCT plus gradual discontinuation of maintenance antidepressants was similar to continuation of antidepressants alone with respect to relapse prevention. The augmentation of MBCT could be useful for patients with current residual symptoms of depression as well.

Current studies showed preliminary evidence about the efficacy of MBCT for patients with 3 or more past episodes of depression and for currently depressed patients with residual symptoms. However, methodological shortcomings of reviewed studies including small sample size, frequent lack of replications and the absence of studies comparing MBCT to control groups designed to distinguish specific from non specific effects of meditation imply the necessity for further research.