Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy <i>v.</i> treatment as usual in people with bipolar disorder: A multicentre, randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) seems a promising intervention for bipolar disorder (BD), but there is lack of randomised controlled trials (RCT) investigating this. The purpose this multicentre, evaluator blinded RCT was to investigate the added value MBCT treatment as usual (TAU) in BD up 15 months follow-up (NCT03507647). Methods A total 144 participants with type I and II were + TAU ( n = 72) 72). Primary outcome current depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes (hypo)manic anxiety symptoms, recurrence rates, rumination, dampening positive affect, functional impairment, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, mental health. Potential moderators examined. Results not more efficacious than reducing symptoms at post-treatment (95% CI [−7.0 1.8], p 0.303, d 0.24) or [−2.2 6.3], 0.037, 0.13). At post-treatment, effective improving skills. follow-up, trait skills Exploratory analysis revealed that higher impairment baseline benefitted from TAU. Conclusions In these highly recurrent BD, may be option addition those who suffer moderate severe levels depression impairment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03507647. Registered 25 April 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01126827 .