A new study highlights mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a promising option for people who do not fully recover after standard depression treatment. This approach could offer renewed hope for those with lingering depressive symptoms, a challenge that affects up to 30% of individuals with depression worldwide, including many in Thailand.
Depression remains a leading cause of disability globally and in Thailand, where health authorities report millions affected each year. While antidepressants and talking therapies work for many, some patients never fully escape the fog of low mood and exhaustion after treatment. In an English study published in The Conversation, researchers estimate that about one in three people with depression still struggle with symptoms even after completing therapy and medication.
This reality has broad implications for patients, families, and society. Untreated or partially treated depression is linked to reduced work productivity, strained relationships, and higher healthcare costs. In Thailand, stigma around mental health often delays help-seeking, increasing the risk of chronic illness. Thailand’s health authorities emphasize the need for accessible, affordable mental health care.
The research addresses the so-called “missing middle” in mental health services—patients whose needs are too complex for primary care but not urgent enough for specialist intervention. In Thailand, many with persistent but not severe depression cycle between clinics, often receiving long-term medication with limited other support.
In the UK study, more than 200 patients who had completed a talking-therapy program but still had depressive symptoms were divided into two groups. One group started an eight-week MBCT online course in small groups; the other continued with usual care. MBCT blends cognitive techniques to interrupt negative thought cycles with mindfulness practices that encourage staying present and responding to emotions with compassion.
The results were significant. MBCT participants showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms than those receiving standard care. Benefits persisted and even strengthened six months after completion. Additionally, those who completed MBCT used fewer healthcare and social services, indicating potential cost savings—less than four thousand five hundred baht per person to deliver.
Experts note MBCT’s accessibility and practicality. Co-authors say MBCT is already used to prevent relapse and can be facilitated by trained leaders in community settings, making it scalable for large populations. “People gain lifelong skills to manage their mood, which is especially important when other services have been exhausted,” the researchers observed.
In Thailand, where mental health resources are limited and rural areas may lack counselling services, online group MBCT could help bridge service gaps. Mindfulness programs have gained traction in Thai medical institutions, with practitioners highlighting mindfulness’s roots in Buddhist practice—a familiar concept for many Thais. A Bangkok-based psychiatrist noted that mindfulness aligns with Thai cultural values and could be integrated into care models with proper adaptation and support.
Traditionally, Thailand has relied on community networks, including monks and family elders, to support emotional wellbeing. While these networks remain important, rising mental illness calls for approaches that combine tradition with evidence-based care. MBCT’s cost-effectiveness aligns with government goals to expand equitable mental health services under public health schemes.
Global guidelines increasingly recognize mindfulness-based interventions. The American Psychological Association and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence include mindfulness-based strategies in their recommendations. A growing body of clinical trials supports MBCT’s role in mood regulation and relapse prevention, especially when conventional therapies fall short.
MBCT is not a universal remedy. Experts caution that mindfulness should complement, not replace, comprehensive treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, and social support. Proper training and local adaptation are essential, particularly for scale-up in Thailand where resources are stretched.
Looking ahead, integrating MBCT into Thailand’s public health system could address unmet needs identified in international research. Health policymakers are exploring innovative, scalable mental health interventions that reduce downstream costs and empower individuals with self-management skills.
For readers in Thailand, practical steps include exploring publicly available mindfulness resources or joining local groups affiliated with universities, hospitals, or temples. Healthcare providers should consider referring patients with lingering depressive symptoms to MBCT programs where available, and policymakers can advocate for MBCT’s inclusion in universal health coverage.
Ultimately, the latest findings offer hope that no one is left behind in the struggle with depression. By merging modern cognitive science with mindfulness—grounded in Thai cultural context—communities can move toward a more inclusive and effective mental health care model.