Effects of Mindfulness on Brain Functioning in Depressed Patients

Summary

Depression is a common disorder that often takes a recurrent or chronic course. Recent research has indicated that such courses are associated with significant changes in brain functioning including changes in strength of functional connectivity between regions of the default mode network, a large-scale brain network involved in spontaneous thinking and rumination, and the ability to suppress this network.

Training in mindfulness has been found to be an effective treatment for patients with recurrent and chronic courses of depression and there is evidence for beneficial effects on brain structure and functioning. However, it remains unclear whether and in how far the training may serve to reverse brain changes in recurrent and chronic courses of depression. The aim of this research is to test the effects of sustained training in mindfulness meditation on default mode network connectivity and suppression in patients suffering from recurrent or chronic depression.

The investigators will invite currently depressed patients with a recurrent or chronic course of the disorder (N = 36) to take part in a 6-month mindfulness intervention and investigate changes in default-mode network connectivity and suppression over repeated assessments. Building on our previous research, the intervention will use a blended format that combines an online app offering psychoeducational materials and meditation guidance with brief individual therapy sessions delivered via videoconference. Eligible participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and take part in brain scans before the start of the treatment, 3 months after the start of the treatment and after the end of treatment.

Conditions

• Persistent Depressive Disorder

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

blended Mindfulness-Based Intervention (bMBI)

The blended Mindfulness-Based Intervention (bMBI) is a 24-week online course 'blended' with therapist support via video link. The entire course is completed online and requires no in person contact. The bMBI follows the general structure of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with an added emphasis on the cultivation of self-compassion. The bMBI comprises of 9-themed sessions spread out over the 24-weeks. Each session involves: video instructions, written information, psycho-educational exercises, and guided meditation practices. Participants meditate for 30-minutes each day. Additional homework involves short daily activities designed to incorporate mindfulness into daily life and keeping a journal about experiences within and around the practices and exercises. The therapist sessions are every two weeks and last for 45-minutes and help participants overcome any problems they experience.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Surrey

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jonathan D Hamilton · University of Surrey

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-06-06

Primary Completion

2023-10-31

Completion

2023-10-31

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations