Comparing Buddhist mindfulness training and secular cognitive therapy for depression
Comparing the Efficacy of Traditional Buddhist Mindfulness Training Versus Secular Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Residual Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Depressive Disorders: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University of Kelaniya · NCT06456931
This study is testing whether traditional Buddhist mindfulness training or a modern therapy can help people with lingering depression feel better and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kelaniya (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ragama, Gampaha) |
| Trial ID | NCT06456931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of traditional Buddhist mindfulness training with secular mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in patients experiencing residual depressive symptoms. The study will assess primary outcomes such as the reduction of depressive symptoms and improvement in psychological well-being, as well as secondary outcomes including self-compassion and spirituality. Conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital, the trial will involve 30 participants in each group undergoing 8 weeks of intervention followed by a 12-month follow-up to evaluate relapse prevention. Factors influencing the efficacy of these interventions will also be explored.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Buddhist individuals aged 18 or older with a history of moderate to severe depression and currently experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depressive episodes or significant suicidal ideation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective therapeutic approaches for managing depression, potentially leading to improved treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness-based interventions have been studied extensively, this specific comparison of Buddhist mindfulness training and secular MBCT is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or above * Buddhist faith (Only Buddhists are selected as one of the interventions involves Buddhist teachings, and any recruited participant has a probability of being enrolled in the Buddhist mindfulness intervention) * A history of one or more episodes of moderate or severe depression * Currently having BDI-II score \> 13, i.e., mild to moderate depressive symptoms Exclusion Criteria: * Currently having a severe depressive episode, according to the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) Sinhalese version * Currently having moderate to severe suicidal ideation (according to CIDI) * Recent changes in antidepressant medication * Unable to understand and communicate in Sinhalese
Where this trial is running
Ragama, Gampaha
- Colombo North Teaching Hospital — Ragama, Gampaha, Sri Lanka (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anuradha Baminiwatta, MBBS, MD — University of Kelaniya
- Study coordinator: Anuradha Baminiwatta, MBBS, MD
- Email: baminiwatta@kln.ac.lk
- Phone: +94777959197
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Depression Moderate, Depression Mild, mindfulness, depression, religiosity