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Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy in Depression Relapse Prevention: A Case Study

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Abstract

Depression is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the United States with relapse rates as high as 80–90% in some circumstances (Chen et al. in Res Soc Work Pract 16(5): 500–510, 2006; Mintz et al. in Arch Gen Psychiatry 49: 761–768, 1992; Teasdale et al. in J Consult Clin Psychol 68(4): 615–623, 2000). Cognitive therapy (CT) and psychopharmacology have been the mainstays of treatment for depression and relapse prevention, yet relapse remains a significant risk of this mental illness (DeRubeis et al. in Arch Gen Psychiatry 62: 409–416, 2005; Meyer and Scott in Behav Cogn Psychother 36: 685–693 2008; Rush et al. in Cognit Ther Res 1: 17–37, 1977). The literature review, case illustration and analysis examines the rationale for integrating mindfulness practice, and demonstrates the application of this practice in conjunction with cognitive therapy to reduce the risk of relapse in Major Depression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, Belfer Hall, Rm. 824, 2495 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10033, USA

    Nancy L. Beckerman

  2. Yeshiva University, New York, NY, 10033, USA

    Lynn Corbett

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  1. Nancy L. Beckerman
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  2. Lynn Corbett
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Correspondence to Nancy L. Beckerman.

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Beckerman, N.L., Corbett, L. Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy in Depression Relapse Prevention: A Case Study. Clin Soc Work J 38, 217–225 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-009-0219-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-009-0219-z

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