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A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder

  1. T. Perich1,2,*,
  2. V. Manicavasagar1,2,
  3. P. B. Mitchell1,2,
  4. J. R. Ball1,
  5. D. Hadzi-Pavlovic1,2

Article first published online: 9 DEC 2012

DOI: 10.1111/acps.12033

Issue

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

Volume 127, Issue 5, pages 333–343, May 2013

Additional Information

How to Cite

Perich T, Manicavasagar V, Mitchell PB, Ball JR, Hadzi-Pavlovic D. A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder.

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

  2. 2

    Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia

* Tania Perich, School of Psychiatry, University of NSW, Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick NSW 2031, Sydney, Australia.
E-mail: t.perich@unsw.edu.au

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 APR 2013
  2. Article first published online: 9 DEC 2012
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 1 OCT 2012

Funded by

  • National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Grant Numbers: 222708, 510135
  • Rotary Australia

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Keywords:

  • mindfulness-based cognitive therapy;
  • mindfulness;
  • bipolar disorder;
  • psychological treatment

Objective

To compare the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) plus treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU alone for patients with bipolar disorder over a 12-month follow-up period.

Method

Participants with a DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar disorder were randomly allocated to either MBCT plus TAU or TAU alone. Primary outcome measures were time to recurrence of a DSM-IV major depressive, hypomanic or manic episode; the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Secondary outcome measures were number of recurrences, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Results

Ninety-five participants with bipolar disorder were recruited to the study (MBCT = 48; TAU = 47). Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis found no significant differences between the groups on either time to first recurrence of a mood episode or total number of recurrences over the 12-month period. Furthermore, there were no significant between-group differences on the MADRS or YMRS scales. A significant between-group difference was found in STAI – state anxiety scores. There was a significant treatment by time interaction for the DAS – achievement subscale.

Conclusion

While MBCT did not lead to significant reductions in time to depressive or hypo/manic relapse, total number of episodes, or mood symptom severity at 12-month follow-up, there was some evidence for an effect on anxiety symptoms. This finding suggests a potential role of MBCT in reducing anxiety comorbid with bipolar disorder.

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