article_snippet.sent: An ancient Buddhist meditation practice could be as effective as modern drugs at beating depression, new research suggests.
article_snippet.sent: Researchers found patients on a MBCT course suffered almost the same rates of recurrence as those taking anti-depressants.
article_snippet.sent: Over two years, relapse rates were 44 per cent in the MBCT group compared to 47 per cent in the medication group.
article_snippet.sent: This suggests it offers an 'alternative treatment' for those averse to the idea of taking drugs, said the researchers.
article_snippet.sent: Professor Richard Byng, of the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, said: 'Currently, maintenance antidepressant medication is the key treatment for preventing relapse, reducing the likelihood of relapse or recurrence by up to two-thirds when taken correctly. '
article_snippet.sent: The first study of its kind discovered MBCT isn't more effective than antidepressants but could offer similar protection - with no significant difference in cost.
article_snippet.sent: Professor Willem Kuyken, of Oxford University, said: 'Depression is a recurrent disorder. '
article_snippet.sent: Without ongoing treatment as many as four out of five people with depression relapse at some point.' its kind discovered MBCT was developed to help people who have experienced repeated bouts of depression by teaching them the skills to recognise and respond constructively to the thoughts and feelings associated with relapse - thereby preventing a downward spiral.
article_snippet.sent: In the study, 424 adults with recurrent major depression were split into two group at random - half remaining on antidepressants and the others coming off and receiving its kind discovered MBCT.
article_snippet.sent: Those in two group continued Those in the maintenance antidepressant group medication for two years.
article_snippet.sent: All trial participants were assessed at regular intervals over two years for a major depressive episode using a psychiatric diagnostic interview tool.
article_snippet.sent: As many as four out of five people with depression relapse at some point, experts said.
article_snippet.sent: Professor Kuyken added that although the MBCT doid not work any better than anti-depressants, the results suggest a 'new choice' for the millions of people with recurrent depression on repeat prescriptions.
article_snippet.sent: We therefore have a promising new treatment that is reasonably cost effective and applicable to the large group of patients with recurrent depression.'