Group Therapy Based on Techniques Found in Buddhism to Beat Depression
A recent study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, reports that UK scientists recognise that group-taught meditation is just as effective as offering drug treatments when it comes to stopping people slipping back into depression.
The trial found similar relapse rates in those having group therapy and those taking mild prescribed drugs, experts also recognise “mindfulness-based cognitive therapy” (MBCT) are considerably cheaper, recent years have seen evidence that “talking therapies” can be just as effective as drugs in alleviating mild to moderate depression, The aim is to teach skills which help patients recognise and cope with their tendency towards depression, by using meditation techniques found in Buddhism.
Health secretary Alan Johnson recently announced millions in new funding for group therapy treatments, however there is some time before group therapy will be socially accepted as an alternative to a prescription and the benefits of medication can be fully utilised in improving patients’ quality of life.
