Should we be mindful of mindfulness?
13th March 2014
The objectivity and validity of media coverage regarding mindfulness approaches continues to be highly variable. Whilst confusing and misleading ideas and evidence for the potential usefulenss of this approach are common, an article in the ‘Observer’ on 23 February 2014 provides a more careful (and mindful?) review of the current status of claims regarding its efficacy.
Clinical research demonstrates the efficacy of mindfulness based cognitive therapy for a variety of psychological problems particularly anxiety, depression and stress. In 2004, ‘NICE’ – the NHS’s rationing body – was convinced enough of the benefits that it ruled mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as cost effective. Its most recent advice, updated in 2007, is that it can be prescribed for people with three or more episodes of depression. There is also growing evidence that it’s effective for chronic long-term health conditions such as ME.
The full article can be found at www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/23/should-we-be-mindful-of-mindfulness-nhs-depression