Traditional Buddhist Mindfulness versus Secular Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Residual Depressive Symptoms in Patients Treated for Depressive Disorder

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, Buddhist adults with residual depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory–II [BDI-II] score >13) receiving outpatient antidepressant treatment were randomized to an 8-week group-based TBM or MBCT intervention. Primary outcomes were depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and psychological wellbeing (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Secondary outcomes included mindfulness, self-compassion, and perceived benefits from religiosity/spirituality. Primary analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Non-inferiority margins were prespecified at 2.5 BDI-II points and 1.25 WHO-5 points.