Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: a feasibility trial.
BACKGROUND
The present open study investigates the feasibility of Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in groups solely composed of bipolar patients of various subtypes. MBCT has been mostly evaluated with remitted unipolar depressed patients and little is known about this treatment in bipolar disorder.


METHODS
Bipolar outpatients (type I, II and NOS) were included and evaluated for depressive and hypomanic symptoms, as well as mindfulness skills before and after MBCT. Patients' expectations before the program, perceived benefit after completion and frequency of mindfulness practice were also recorded.


RESULTS
Of 23 included patients, 15 attended at least four MBCT sessions. Most participants reported having durably, moderately to very much benefited from the program, although mindfulness practice decreased over time. Whereas no significant increase of mindfulness skills was detected during the trial, change of mindfulness skills was significantly associated with change of depressive symptoms between pre- and post-MBCT assessments.


CONCLUSIONS
MBCT is feasible and well perceived among bipolar patients. Larger and randomized controlled studies are required to further evaluate its efficacy, in particular regarding depressive and (hypo)manic relapse prevention. The mediating role of mindfulness on clinical outcome needs further examination and efforts should be provided to enhance the persistence of meditation practice with time.
Weber
B
B
Geneva University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Bipolar Program, 6-8, rue du 31-Décembre, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland.
Jermann
F
F
Gex-Fabry
M
M
Nallet
A
A
Bondolfi
G
G
Aubry
J-M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003527:Cyclothymic Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome