#CognitiveTherapy

A recent study has shed light on the potential of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to address a persistent gap in depression care—helping individuals who do not fully recover after standard treatment. This promising approach could offer renewed hope for those living with lingering depressive symptoms, a scenario that affects up to 30% of people diagnosed with depression worldwide, including many in Thailand.

Depression remains a leading cause of disability both globally and in Thailand, where the World Health Organization estimates over 1.5 million Thais suffer from the condition each year (WHO). While effective antidepressants and talking therapies exist, for many patients the journey out of depression is not straightforward. As outlined in a new study conducted in England and published in The Conversation (The Conversation), about one-third of people with depression never fully escape the “fog” of low mood and exhaustion—even after completing therapy and medication.

Emerging research reveals intriguing insights into the often-debilitating phenomenon known as brain fog, a symptom linked with various chronic illnesses and conditions. As COVID-19 swept the globe, the term “brain fog” gained prominence, particularly among those suffering from long COVID, with estimates suggesting that 20 to 65 percent of these individuals experience it ¹. Beyond its association with COVID, brain fog is also recognized in communities dealing with chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and lupus, attracting interest and concern among healthcare professionals and patients alike.