The Evolution of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Metcalf and Dimidjian (this issue) present a timely review of the evolving evidence base and mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). The present commentary extends the discussion on the current evidence base for MBCT based on findings from recent meta-analytic reviews in this field which attest to the promising outcome for mindfulness-based therapies, particularly for depressed populations. However, the specific effects of MBCT as applied to anxiety, health and developmental populations is still very much in its infancy. The second objective of this commentary extends discussion on the transdiagnostic applications of MBCT versus traditional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It is recommended that with the continuing expansion of MBCT, the effects of this therapeutic approach needs to be evaluated against other empirically supported therapies, including traditional CBT.