Title : A literature review: Averting major depressive disorder relapse
Abstract:
Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a widespread problem that significantly impacts patients, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022). Effective treatment options are available, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which has been shown to prevent relapse (Cohen et al., 2023). MBCT focuses on modifying behavior patterns and incorporating mindfulness meditations (Chand et al., 2022). Antidepressant medication is the primary management for MDD, it works best when combined with therapy (Wheeler, 2022). Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) have the expertise to effectively evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with MDD. The PMHNP can tailor treatments for adults based on a patient's biopsychosocial and genetic manifestations. Recent research has shown that MBCT can significantly prevent relapse in the outpatient setting (Huijbers et al., 2020). The research needs to further incorporate patient preferences and treatment adherence. Despite the limited referral resources, a shortage of clinicians, and patient under-engagement, MBCT remains a highly effective treatment option for MDD (Tickell et al., 2020). This literature review aims to provide advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) specializing in PMHNPs with an evidence-based tool to enhance remission of MDD. The APRN can utilize MBCT to individualize care by effectively identifying residual MDD symptoms, potential risk factors, and protective factors to modify cognitive distortions with the goal of preventing MDD relapse (de Klerk-Sluis, 2022; Moore et al., 2022).
Keywords: major depression disorder, mindfulness-based cognitive behavior therapy, depression relapse, depression reoccurrence, depression prevention
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Valuable findings into the management of preventing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) relapse.
- Informed treatment decision for healthcare for professionals
- Customed treatment plans for improved patient outcomes and symptoms management
- Importance of monitoring residual depressive symptoms such as rumination to provide referrals for Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Future research implications and expansion of MDD management.
