MBCT reduces both anxiety and depression in the few months post-treatment, but the improvement was not still significant after a year. More research is needed to determine how improvement can be maintained through prolonged MBCT or mindfulness practices in general.

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

No significant improvement of mania was found directly after an MBCT intervention because MBCT research is done mostly on patients of very severe mania which comes with hyperactivity, poor focus, etc. For this reason, MBCT may be more effective for patients with less severe mania, but more research is needed. After a year-long follow up of consistent at-home mindfulness practice, mania symptoms improved.


The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Mania in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Patients with bipolar disorder often develop a drug tolerance to mood-regulating medications. These medications also come with severe side effects, making MBCT an effective treatment in conjunction with medication.

Why Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is Used as an Additional Treatment in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

MBCT is used in conjunction with mood-regulating medications for patients with bipolar disorder to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mania. This is done to expand courses of treatment and prolong improvement of symptoms, as patients with bipolar disorder can often relapse.

Tulane University

Syracuse University

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an 8-week psychotherapy program that includes elements of both Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with the goal of enhancing one’s psychological well-being through formal/informal meditation practices. 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychoeducation 

Treatment may also include newer therapies designed specifically for the treatment of bipolar disorder:
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) 
- Family-focused therapy

Treating Bipolar Disorder: Psychotherapy

Xuan, R., Li, X., Qiao, Y., Guo, Q., Liu, X., Deng, W., Hu, Q., Wang, K., &amp; Zhang, L. (2020). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 290, 113116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113116 

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Bipolar Disorder

Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to effectively treat depression in patients with diabetes, as well as improve their quality of life and glucose levels. More studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of MBCT on the physical health of patients with diabetes.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Diabetes

- Patients with Anxiety
- Patients with Depression

Populations that May Benefit Benefit from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

There are many online services and apps that are available that allow people to practice Mindfulness Interventions such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) from one’s own device. The ease of accessibility, lower cost, and convenience of these services are some of the pros of online MBI practices over face-to-face MBIs. 

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