Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the Prevention of Depression Relapse or Recurrence Using Videoconference

The BECOME trial was developed to fill an important evidence gap on whether Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is clinically effective and cost-effective for preventing relapse and recurrence of depression when delivered within the Spanish National Health System (NHS). While MBCT has strong evidence as an alternative to maintenance antidepressant medication (m-ADM) for people with recurrent depression, most of this research has been conducted outside Spain and has not been confirmed in a sufficiently powered, multicentre randomized controlled trial in the Spanish setting. This gap is especially relevant in the post-COVID-19 period, when depressive disorders have increased in prevalence and severity, adding pressure to already overstretched public mental health services. Recurrent depression also carries a high social and economic burden in Spain, so identifying interventions that can reduce relapse while remaining feasible and sustainable for the NHS is a public health priority. Most prior studies have focused on face-to-face MBCT and have given limited attention to implementation constraints in publicly funded systems. In addition, many patients report concerns about long-term antidepressant use (e.g., side effects and adherence difficulties) and often prefer psychological approaches, highlighting the need to evaluate acceptable and accessible alternatives such as MBCT. By comparing videoconference-delivered group MBCT and supported MBCT self-help against treatment as usual (TAU), this study aims to provide pragmatic evidence on whether different MBCT delivery formats can broaden access to relapse-prevention care while preserving clinical benefit and good value for money in routine services. The trial will also assess outcomes from both healthcare and societal perspectives, which is important given the significant indirect costs of recurrent depression in Spain, including work disability and reduced productivity. As digitally supported care becomes more common, rigorous evaluation of its clinical and economic impact is essential to ensure that digital delivery improves outcomes and delivers measurable public health value.

Inclusion criteria

• Age over 18.
• Diagnosis of recurrent major depressive disorder, with ≥ 2 previous major depressive episodes (MDD).
• Current partial remission (no current depressive episode; a score ≥8 on the HDRS).
• Internet access (via smartphone or personal computer).
• Spanish literacy (spoken and written).

Exclusion criteria

• Current or past psychosis, bipolar disorder, a history of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, organic mental disorder, current severe substance abuse, organic brain damage, pervasive developmental delay, persistent antisocial behaviour, recent (in past 3 months) self-injury requiring clinical management or therapy according to medical records and clinical judgment.
• Formal concurrent structured psychotherapy during the intervention period.
• No experience in the use of new technologies (smartphones or computers).
• Having completed a mindfulness-based structured training and/or extensive meditation experience (i.e., previous participation in meditation retreats (≥1) or regular (≥ weekly) meditation practice) in the previous year, or intending to commence meditation retreats or meditation practice during the study.