Which statement about depression treatment options is accurate?

• A. MBCT alone is sufficient for all forms of depression.
• B. Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., MBCT) are not supported for depression.
• C. Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., MBCT) are evidence-based alongside CBT, IPT, and BA.
• D. Only pharmacotherapy is evidence-based for depression.

Answer: (C)

Mindfulness-based approaches like MBCT are evidence-based and fit into depression care alongside traditional therapies such as CBT, IPT, and BA. MBCT teaches mindfulness skills to help people observe thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, reducing ruminative thinking that often fuels depressive symptoms. Because of this, MBCT is commonly used as an adjunct to other treatments or for relapse prevention, rather than as the sole treatment for all forms of depression. Large trials and meta-analyses show MBCT helps lower relapse risk for those with recurrent depression and supports symptom management when combined with ongoing treatment. So, MBCT being evidence-based alongside CBT, IPT, and BA reflects how it contributes to a multi-modal, evidence-informed approach. The other statements mischaracterize MBCT or the evidence base: it isn’t universally sufficient as monotherapy for all depressions, mindfulness approaches are supported by research, and pharmacotherapy isn’t the only evidence-based option.