Anti-depressant medications can be very effective in treating an episode of depression. However, research has shown that once the episode has passed and medication is stopped, then depression can recurr. At least half of those treated for a first bout of depression will experience further occurrances.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) aims to identify the links between a negative mood and negative thought patterns and feelings in the body. When a person is aware of the links between how they feel and what they think, they are then able to utilise specific techniques taught to them by the therapist which prevent ruminative patterns of negative thinking occurring and stop the downward spiral from a brief low mood to full-blown depression.