In Major Depressive Disorder, which psychotherapy has the STRONGEST evidence base specifically for preventing relapse and is recommended for patients who have had multiple depressive episodes?

• A Psychodynamic therapy
• B Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
• C Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• D Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) ✓

Explanation

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has the strongest and most replicated evidence base specifically for prevention of depressive relapse. Multiple RCTs have demonstrated that MBCT reduces relapse by approximately 50% in patients who have had three or more depressive episodes, compared with treatment-as-usual. NICE guidelines and major international guidelines recommend MBCT as a maintenance strategy for recurrent MDD. MBCT combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive therapy skills to teach patients to recognise and decentre from depressive thought patterns before they escalate into full episodes. IPT is effective for acute depression; psychodynamic therapy has a weaker evidence base for relapse prevention.

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.