Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for relapse prophylaxis in mood disorders.

Relapse and recurrence are common and debilitating aspects of major depressive disorder. Furthermore, the risk of developing a chronic course of illness increases with each successive episode and, even among patients who achieve clinical remission, residual depressive symptoms are commonly reported. Maintenance antidepressant monotherapy is effective as long as it is continued, yet in practice side effect burden, tachyphylaxis, safety concerns and premature discontinuation can combine to push non‐compliance rates as high as 40%1. Alternatives to long‐term antidepressant monotherapy, especially those addressing mood outcomes in a broader context of well‐being, may appeal to patients wary of continued intervention.