Yoga on Our Minds: A Systematic Review of Yoga for Neuropsychiatric Disorders Treating major depression with yoga: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial Scoping review of systematic reviews of complementary medicine for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions The therapeutic value of yoga in neurological disorders Feasibility, acceptability, and effects of gentle Hatha yoga for women with major depression: findings from a randomized controlled mixed-methods study. Yoga and exercise for symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with poststroke disability: a randomized, controlled pilot trial. Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Efficacy of Iyengar Yoga Therapy on Chronic Low Back Pain Yoga- and meditation-based lifestyle intervention increases neuroplasticity and reduces severity of major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Self-help interventions for depressive disorders and depressive symptoms: a systematic review A Breathing-Based Meditation Intervention for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Following Inadequate Response to Antidepressants: A Randomized Pilot Study. Adjunctive yoga v. health education for persistent major depression: a randomized controlled trial. Meditation with yoga, group therapy with hypnosis, and psychoeducation for long-term depressed mood: a randomized pilot trial. Effect of Sahaj Yoga on depressive disorders. Overview of Systematic Reviews: Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention for Adults with Acute and Chronic Health Conditions Yoga Nidra as a complementary treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with menstrual disorder Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression: A Systematic Review Yoga as a treatment for chronic low back pain: A systematic review of the literature Randomized controlled clinical trial of yoga in the treatment of eating disorders. Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Depressive Symptoms in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Mindfulness-based yoga intervention for women with depression. Effects of yoga on depression and anxiety of women. S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) as an Adjunct for Resistant Major Depressive Disorder: An Open Trial Following Partial or Nonresponse to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or Venlafaxine Mind-Body Interventions, Psychological Stressors, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review
Background : The dem and for clinical ly efficacious , safe , patient acceptable , and cost-effective forms of treatment for mental illness is growing . Several studies have demonstrated benefit from yoga in specific psychiatric symptoms and a general sense of well-being . Objective : To systematic ally examine the evidence for efficacy of yoga in the treatment of selected major psychiatric disorders . Methods : Electronic search es of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the st and ard bibliographic data bases , MEDLINE , EMBASE , and PsycINFO , were performed through April 2011 and an up date d in June 2011 using the keywords yoga AND psychiatry OR depression OR anxiety OR schizophrenia OR cognition OR memory OR attention AND r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) . Studies with yoga as the independent variable and one of the above mentioned terms as the dependent variable were included and exclusion criteria were applied . Results : The search yielded a total of 124 trials , of which 16 met rigorous criteria for the final review . Grade B evidence supporting a potential acute benefit for yoga exists in depression ( four RCTs ) , as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia ( three RCTs ) , in children with ADHD ( two RCTs ) , and Grade C evidence in sleep complaints ( three RCTs ) . RCTs in cognitive disorders and eating disorders yielded conflicting results . No studies looked at primary prevention , relapse prevention , or comparative effectiveness versus pharmacotherapy . Conclusion : There is emerging evidence from r and omized trials to support popular beliefs about yoga for depression , sleep disorders , and as an augmentation therapy . Limitations of literature include inability to do double-blind studies , multiplicity of comparisons within small studies , and lack of replication . Biomarker and neuroimaging studies , those comparing yoga with st and ard pharmaco- and psychotherapies , and studies of long-term efficacy are needed to fully translate the promise of yoga for enhancing mental health Background Conventional pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies for major depression are associated with limited adherence to care and relatively low remission rates . Yoga may offer an alternative treatment option , but rigorous studies are few . This r and omized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors examined an 8-week hatha yoga intervention as mono-therapy for mild-to-moderate major depression . Methods Investigators recruited 38 adults in San Francisco meeting criteria for major depression of mild-to-moderate severity , per structured psychiatric interview and scores of 14–28 on Beck Depression Inventory-II ( BDI ) . At screening , individuals engaged in psychotherapy , antidepressant pharmacotherapy , herbal or nutraceutical mood therapies , or mind-body practice s were excluded . Participants were 68 % female , with mean age 43.4 years ( SD = 14.8 , range = 22–72 ) , and mean BDI score 22.4 ( SD = 4.5 ) . Twenty participants were r and omized to 90-minute hatha yoga practice groups twice weekly for 8 weeks . Eighteen participants were r and omized to 90-minute attention control education groups twice weekly for 8 weeks . Certified yoga instructors delivered both interventions at a university clinic . Primary outcome was depression severity , measured by BDI scores every 2 weeks from baseline to 8 weeks . Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy and self-esteem , measured by scores on the General Self-Efficacy Scale ( GSES ) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale ( RSES ) at baseline and at 8 weeks . Results In intent-to-treat analysis , yoga participants exhibited significantly greater 8-week decline in BDI scores  than controls ( p-value = 0.034 ) . In sub-analyses of participants completing final 8-week measures , yoga participants were more likely to achieve remission , defined per final BDI score ≤ 9 ( p-value = 0.018 ) . Effect size of yoga in reducing BDI scores was large , per Cohen ’s d = -0.96 [ 95%CI , -1.81 to -0.12 ] . Intervention groups did not differ significantly in 8-week change scores for either the GSES or RSES . Conclusion In adults with mild-to-moderate major depression , an 8-week hatha yoga intervention result ed in statistically and clinical ly significant reductions in depression severity . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Objective To identify potentially effective complementary approaches for musculoskeletal (MSK)–mental health ( MH ) comorbidity , by synthesis ing evidence on effectiveness , cost-effectiveness and safety from systematic review s ( SRs ) . Design Scoping review of SRs . Methods We search ed literature data bases , registries and reference lists , and contacted key authors and professional organisations to identify SRs of r and omised controlled trials for complementary medicine for MSK or MH . Inclusion criteria were : published after 2004 , study ing adults , in English and scoring > 50 % on Assessing the Method ological Quality of Systematic Review s ( AMSTAR ) ; quality appraisal checklist ) . SRs were synthesis ed to identify research priorities , based on moderate/good quality evidence , sample size and indication of cost-effectiveness and safety . Results We included 84 MSK SRs and 27 MH SRs . Only one focused on MSK – MH comorbidity . Meditative approaches and yoga may improve MH outcomes in MSK population s. Yoga and tai chi had moderate/good evidence for MSK and MH conditions . SRs reported moderate/good quality evidence ( any comparator ) in a moderate/large population for :  low back pain ( LBP )  ( yoga , acupuncture , spinal manipulation/mobilisation , osteopathy ) , osteoarthritis ( OA ) ( acupuncture , tai chi ) , neck pain  ( acupuncture , manipulation/manual therapy ) , myofascial trigger point pain ( acupuncture ) , depression ( mindfulness-based stress reduction ( MBSR ) , meditation , tai chi , relaxation ) , anxiety ( meditation/MBSR , moving meditation , yoga ) , sleep disorders ( meditative/mind – body movement ) and stress/distress ( mindfulness ) . The majority of these complementary approaches had some evidence of safety — only three had evidence of harm . There was some evidence of cost-effectiveness for spinal manipulation/mobilisation and acupuncture for LBP , and manual therapy/manipulation for neck pain , but few SRs review ed cost-effectiveness and many found no data . Conclusions Only one SR studied MSK – MH comorbidity . Research priorities for complementary medicine for both MSK and MH ( LBP , OA , depression , anxiety and sleep problems ) are yoga , mindfulness and tai chi . Despite the large number of SRs and the prevalence of comorbidity , more high- quality , large r and omised controlled trials in comorbid population s are needed Background : The ancient mind and body healing methods of yoga recently sparked fervor in the scientific community as an alternative and complementary means of therapy . Since the World Health Organization officially began promoting yoga in developing countries in 1978 , yoga has been cited for its therapeutic potential and has been widely recognized in Western culture . However , as an increasing number of people practice yoga for remedial purpose s , research ers raise two important questions : 1 ) Is yoga a valid complementary management and rehabilitation treatment modality ? 2 ) What conditions show promise of treatment with this intervention ? . Objective : This review article uses comprehensive scientific , evidence -based studies to analyze the efficacy of various basic and applied aspects of yoga in disease prevention and health promotion . It specifically intends to expose the effects of yoga in neurological disorders , particularly epilepsy , stroke , multiple sclerosis , Alzheimer 's disease , peripheral nervous system disease , and fibromyalgia . Material s and Methods : Information was gathered from various re sources including PubMed , Ovid , MD-Consult , USC , and U.C.L.A. libraries . Studies were selected and review ed on the basis of sample size , control , r and omization , double-blinding , and statistical analysis of results . Results : The pratice of yoga and meditation demonstrates statistically encouraging physiological and psychological improvements in the aforementioned neurological disorders . However , there were certain flaws and inadequacies in the study design s employed to evaluate the same . A critical analysis of these studies is presented . Conclusions : With the aim to focus attention on this widespread yet largely unexamined treatment modality , this paper seeks to provide direction and support for further research necessary to vali date yoga as an integrative , alternative , and complementary therapy Major depressive disorder ( MDD ) is a common , debilitating chronic condition in the United States and worldwide . Particularly in women , depressive symptoms are often accompanied by high levels of stress and ruminations , or repetitive self-critical negative thinking . There is a research and clinical imperative to evaluate complementary therapies that are acceptable and feasible for women with depression and that target specific aspects of depression in women , such as ruminations . To begin to address this need , we conducted a r and omized , controlled , mixed- methods community-based study comparing an 8-week yoga intervention with an attention-control activity in 27 women with MDD . After controlling for baseline stress , there was a decrease in depression over time in both the yoga group and the attention-control group , with the yoga group having a unique trend in decreased ruminations . Participants in the yoga group reported experiencing increased connectedness and gaining a coping strategy through yoga . The findings provide support for future large scale research to explore the effects of yoga for depressed women and the unique role of yoga in decreasing rumination CONTEXT Mood disorders are prevalent in people after stroke , and a disorder 's onset can exacerbate stroke-related disabilities . While evidence supports the mental-health benefits of participation in exercise and yoga , it is unknown whether such benefits extend to a population with poststroke hemiparesis . OBJECTIVE The study investigated whether supplementing exercise with participation in a yoga program would provide further improvements in self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety in a chronic poststroke population , and it also assessed trial feasibility for future studies . DESIGN The research team design ed a r and omized , controlled pilot trial that included an exercise-only group ( EX , control ) and a yoga- and -exercise group ( YEX , intervention ) . SETTING The study took place at the Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing an exercise rehabilitation and activity center at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia . PARTICIPANTS The participants included 14 individuals with chronic poststroke hemiparesis : eight in the intervention group and six in the control group . INTERVENTIONS The YEX group participated in a 6-week st and ardized program that included yoga in weekly group sessions and home practice in addition to exercise in a weekly group class . The EX group participated only in the group exercise class weekly for 6 weeks . OUTCOME MEASURES The research team assessed self-reported symptoms of depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale ( GDS15 ) and symptoms of anxiety and negative affect using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory ( STAI ) . The team based the feasibility evaluation on recruitment outcomes , retention of participants , participants ' compliance with the intervention program , and the safety of the intervention . RESULTS Changes in depression and state and trait anxiety did not significantly differ between intervention groups ( GDS15 P=.749 , STAI-Y1 , P=.595 , STAI-Y2 , P=.407 ) . Comparison of individuals ' case results indicated clinical ly relevant improvements in both groups , although members of the intervention group had greater improvements . Participants reported no adverse events , and the study experienced high retention of participants and high compliance in the yoga program . CONCLUSIONS This pilot study provides preliminary data on the effects of yoga combined with exercise to influence mood poststroke . It is a feasible , safe , and acceptable intervention , and the field requires additional investigations with a larger sample size Study Design . The effectiveness and efficacy of Iyengar yoga for chronic low back pain ( CLBP ) were assessed with intention-to-treat and per- protocol analysis . Ninety subjects were r and omized to a yoga ( n = 43 ) or control group ( n = 47 ) receiving st and ard medical care . Participants were followed 6 months after completion of the intervention . Objective . This study aim ed to evaluate Iyengar yoga therapy on chronic low back pain . Yoga subjects were hypothesized to report greater reductions in functional disability , pain intensity , depression , and pain medication usage than controls . Summary of Background Data . CLBP is a musculoskeletal disorder with public health and economic impact . Pilot studies of yoga and back pain have reported significant changes in clinical ly important outcomes . Methods . Subjects were recruited through self-referral and health professional referrals according to explicit inclusion /exclusion criteria . Yoga subjects participated in 24 weeks of biweekly yoga classes design ed for CLBP . Outcomes were assessed at 12 ( midway ) , 24 ( immediately after ) , and 48 weeks ( 6-month follow-up ) after the start of the intervention using the Oswestry Disability Question naire , a Visual Analog Scale , the Beck Depression Inventory , and a pain medication-usage question naire . Results . Using intention-to-treat analysis with repeated measures ANOVA ( group × time ) , significantly greater reductions in functional disability and pain intensity were observed in the yoga group when compared to the control group at 24 weeks . A significantly greater proportion of yoga subjects also reported clinical improvements at both 12 and 24 weeks . In addition , depression was significantly lower in yoga subjects . Furthermore , while a reduction in pain medication occurred , this was comparable in both groups . When results were analyzed using per- protocol analysis , improvements were observed for all outcomes in the yoga group , including agreater trend for reduced pain medication usage . Although slightly less than at 24 weeks , the yoga group had statistically significant reductions in functional disability , pain intensity , and depression compared to st and ard medical care 6-months postintervention . Conclusion . Yoga  improves functional disability , pain intensity , and depression in adults with CLBP . There was also a clinical ly important trend for the yoga group to reduce their pain medication usage compared to the control group BACKGROUND Current interventions for major depressive disorder ( MDD ) are suboptimal , and only one third respond to them on initial treatment . Neuroplasticity theories are the basis for several emerging treatments . Evidence on the impact of yoga , a well-known mind-body intervention , on neuroplasticity in MDD is limited . OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of 12-week yoga- and meditation-based lifestyle intervention ( YMLI ) on depression severity and systemic biomarkers of neuroplasticity in adult MDD patients on routine drug treatment . METHODS A total of 58 MDD patients were r and omized into yoga or control group . The severity of depression was assessed with Beck Depression Inventory-II scale ( BDI-II ) . Blood sample s were collected before and after intervention for the measurement of the biomarkers that characterize neuroplasticity , including mind-body communicative and cellular health biomarkers . RESULTS There was a significant decrease [ difference between means , ( 95 % CI ) ] in BDI-II score [ -5.83 ( -7.27 , -4.39 ) , p < 0.001 ] and significant increase in BDNF ( ng/ml ) [ 5.48 ( 3.50 , 7.46 ) , p < 0.001 ] after YMLI compared to control group . YMLI significantly increased DHEAS , sirtuin 1 , and telomerase activity levels , and decreased cortisol , and IL-6 levels , in addition to decreasing DNA damage and balancing oxidative stress . Multiple regression analyses were used to associate neuroplasticity biomarkers with depression severity . A ' post-intervention change in BDNF ' x ' group ' interaction indicated that yoga group had more BDNF in association with less BDI-II scores relative to controls . Increased sirtuin 1 and telomerase activity and decreased cortisol significantly predicted this association ( all p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION These results suggest that decrease in depression severity after YMLI in MDD is associated with improved systemic biomarkers of neuroplasticity . Thus YMLI can be considered as a therapeutic intervention in MDD management Background Research suggests that depressive disorders exist on a continuum , with subthreshold symptoms causing considerable population burden and increasing individual risk of developing major depressive disorder . An alternative strategy to professional treatment of subthreshold depression is population promotion of effective self-help interventions that can be easily applied by an individual without professional guidance . The evidence for self-help interventions for depressive symptoms is review ed in the present work , with the aim of identifying promising interventions that could inform future health promotion campaigns or stimulate further research . Methods A literature search for r and omised controlled trials investigating self-help interventions for depressive disorders or depressive symptoms was performed using PubMed , PsycINFO and the Cochrane Data base of Systematic Review s. Reference lists and citations of included studies were also checked . Studies were grouped into those involving participants with depressive disorders or a high level of depressive symptoms , or non- clinical ly depressed participants not selected for depression . A number of exclusion criteria were applied , including trials with small sample sizes and where the intervention was adjunctive to antidepressants or psychotherapy . Results The majority of interventions search ed had no relevant evidence to review . Of the 38 interventions review ed , the ones with the best evidence of efficacy in depressive disorders were S-adenosylmethionine , St John 's wort , bibliotherapy , computerised interventions , distraction , relaxation training , exercise , pleasant activities , sleep deprivation , and light therapy . A number of other interventions showed promise but had received less research attention . Research in non- clinical sample s indicated immediate beneficial effects on depressed mood for distraction , exercise , humour , music , negative air ionisation , and singing ; while potential for helpful longer-term effects was found for autogenic training , light therapy , omega 3 fatty acids , pets , and prayer . Many of the trials were poor quality and may not generalise to self-help without professional guidance . Conclusion A number of self-help interventions have promising evidence for reducing subthreshold depressive symptoms . Other forms of evidence such as expert consensus may be more appropriate for interventions that are not feasible to evaluate in r and omised controlled trials . There needs to be evaluation of whether promotion to the public of effective self-help strategies for subthreshold depressive symptoms could delay or prevent onset of depressive illness , reduce functional impairment , and prevent progression to other undesirable outcomes such as harmful use of substances OBJECTIVE To evaluate feasibility , efficacy , and tolerability of Sudarshan Kriya yoga ( SKY ) as an adjunctive intervention in patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD ) with inadequate response to antidepressant treatment . METHODS Patients with MDD ( defined by DSM-IV-TR ) who were depressed despite ≥ 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment were r and omized to SKY or a waitlist control ( delayed yoga ) arm for 8 weeks . The primary efficacy end point was change in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HDRS-17 ) total score from baseline to 2 months . The key secondary efficacy end points were change in Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) and Beck Anxiety Inventory ( BAI ) total scores . Analyses of the intent-to-treat ( ITT ) and completer sample were performed . The study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania between October 2014 and December 2015 . RESULTS In the ITT sample ( n = 25 ) , the SKY arm ( n = 13 ) showed a greater improvement in HDRS-17 total score compared to waitlist control ( n = 12 ) ( -9.77 vs 0.50 , P = .0032 ) . SKY also showed greater reduction in BDI total score versus waitlist control ( -17.23 vs -1.75 , P = .0101 ) . Mean changes in BAI total score from baseline were significantly greater for SKY than waitlist ( ITT mean difference : -5.19 ; 95 % CI , -0.93 to -9.34 ; P = .0097 ; completer mean difference : -6.23 ; 95 % CI , -1.39 to -11.07 ; P = .0005 ) . No adverse events were reported . CONCLUSIONS Results of this r and omized , waitlist-controlled pilot study suggest the feasibility and promise of an adjunctive SKY-based intervention for patients with MDD who have not responded to antidepressants . TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov identifier : NCT02616549 BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine whether hatha yoga is an efficacious adjunctive intervention for individuals with continued depressive symptoms despite antidepressant treatment . METHOD We conducted a r and omized controlled trial of weekly yoga classes ( n = 63 ) v. health education classes ( Healthy Living Workshop ; HLW ; n = 59 ) in individuals with elevated depression symptoms and antidepressant medication use . HLW served as an attention-control group . The intervention period was 10 weeks , with follow-up assessment s 3 and 6 months afterwards . The primary outcome was depression symptom severity assessed by blind rater at 10 weeks . Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms over the entire intervention and follow-up periods , social and role functioning , general health perceptions , pain , and physical functioning . RESULTS At 10 weeks , we did not find a statistically significant difference between groups in depression symptoms ( b = -0.82 , s.e . = 0.88 , p = 0.36 ) . However , over the entire intervention and follow-up period , when controlling for baseline , yoga participants showed lower levels of depression than HLW participants ( b = -1.38 , s.e . = 0.57 , p = 0.02 ) . At 6-month follow-up , 51 % of yoga participants demonstrated a response ( ⩾50 % reduction in depression symptoms ) compared with 31 % of HLW participants ( odds ratio = 2.31 ; p = 0.04 ) . Yoga participants showed significantly better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time . CONCLUSIONS Although we did not see a difference in depression symptoms at the end of the intervention period , yoga participants showed fewer depression symptoms over the entire follow-up period . Benefits of yoga may accumulate over time This r and omized pilot study investigated the effects of meditation with yoga ( and psychoeducation ) versus group therapy with hypnosis ( and psychoeducation ) versus psychoeducation alone on diagnostic status and symptom levels among 46 individuals with long-term depressive disorders . Results indicate that significantly more meditation group participants experienced a remission than did controls at 9-month follow-up . Eight hypnosis group participants also experienced a remission , but the difference from controls was not statistically significant . Three control participants , but no meditation or hypnosis participants , developed a new depressive episode during the study , though this difference did not reach statistical significance in any case . Although all groups reported some reduction in symptom levels , they did not differ significantly in that outcome . Overall , these results suggest that these two interventions show promise for treating low- to moderate-level depression Sahaj Yoga is a meditative technique that has been found to have beneficial effects in some psycho-somatic illnesses . The study was carried out on 30 cases ( 19 Males , 11 females , age 18 - 45 years ) of major depression diagnosed on the basis of DSM IV criteria . The patients were then r and omly divided into two groups : Group 1 : ( 10 Males & 5 Females ) Patients who were practising Sahaj Yoga and also received conventional anti-depressants . Group 2 : ( 9 Males & 6 Females ) Patients who were only receiving conventional anti-depressants .  Training in Sahaj yoga was conducted under the supervision of a trained Sahaj Yogi for 8 weeks . At start of the study , all the patients were subjected to Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ( HAM-D ) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety ( HAM-A ) . Above scales were again assessed after two months of treatment . There was significant improvement in HAM-D as well as HAM-A scores in both Group 1 and Group 2 patients ( P<0.001 ) . However , percentage improvement in HAM-D scores and HAM-A scores in patients receiving Sahaj Yoga was significantly higher than in Group 2 patients . The number of patients who went into remission after two months of intervention were also significantly higher in Group 1 patients ( P=0.02 ) . The present study demonstrates that Sahaj Yoga has got a potential role as a component in the management of depressive disorders Objectives . Overview the quality , direction , and characteristics of yoga interventions for treatment of acute and chronic health conditions in adult population s. Methods . We search ed for systematic review s in 10 online data bases , bibliographic references , and h and - search es in  yoga-related  journals . Included review s satisfy Oxman criteria and specify yoga as a primary intervention in one or more r and omized controlled trials for treatment in adults . The AMSTAR tool and GRADE approach evaluated the method ological quality of review s and quality of evidence . Results . We identified 2202 titles , of which 41 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 26 systematic review s satisfied inclusion criteria . Thirteen systematic review s include quantitative data and six papers include meta- analysis . The quality of evidence is generally low . Sixteen different types of health conditions are included . Eleven review s show tendency towards positive effects of yoga intervention , 15 review s report unclear results , and no , review s report adverse effects of yoga . Yoga appears most effective for reducing symptoms in anxiety , depression , and pain . Conclusion . Although the quality of systematic review s is high , the quality of supporting evidence is low . Significant heterogeneity and variability in reporting interventions by type of yoga , setting s , and population characteristics limit the generalizability of results Background : Emotional insecurity , stress , depressive or/ and anxiety symptoms are common with variable severity among patients with menstrual disorder . Yogic relaxation therapy ( Yoga Nidra ) leads to conscious and subconscious recognition of these underlying psychological factors and helps releasing of suppressed conflicts . Objective : To evaluate the effect of Yoga Nidra on anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with menstrual disorders . Material s and Methods : Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , C.S.M. Medical University ( erstwhile KGMU ) , Lucknow Uttar Pradesh , India . The subjects were r and omly divided in to two groups : Intervention group ( with yogic intervention ) and control group ( without yogic intervention ) . Assessment s of all subjects were carried out by administering Hamilton anxiety scale ( HAM-A ) and Hamilton rating scale for depression ( HAM-D ) at baseline and after six months . Results : The mean age with S.D of the intervention group was 27.67 ± 7.85 years , and for control group was 26.58 ± 6.87 years ( among completed intervention group nn = 65 and control group nn = 61 ) . There was significant reduction of scores in HAM-A ( P<0.003 ) and HAM-D ( P<0.02 ) respectively in subjects with mild to moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms after six months of yoga therapy ( Yoga Nidra ) in intervention group in comparison to control group . Conclusion : The patients with mild to moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms  improve significantly with ‘ Yoga Nidra ’ intervention . There is no significant improvement in the patients with severe anxiety and depressive symptoms Background : Depression is a common mental disorder worldwide . Psychological treatments and antidepressant medication are the usual treatments for depression . However , a large proportion of patients with depression do not respond to the treatments . In 2005 , Vagus nerve stimulation was approved for the adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression in adult patients experiencing a major depressive episode who had failed to respond to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments . However , the efficacy of VNS for treating depression remains unclear . Accordingly , we performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VNS . Methods : We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the Cochrane H and book for Systematic Review s of Interventions . Systematic search was performed in the data base of Pubmed , Embase , CENTRAL , and Web of science for identifying the suitable trials . Suicidal rate was considered as the primary outcome in this review . Result : Only two r and omized sham controlled add-on studies including 255 cases ( 134 with VNS treatment and 121 control cases ) were included in this review . None of the studies reported suicidal rate . We performed a qualitative analysis and it is suggested that there was no significant statistic difference between VNS and sham VNS on the score of 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ( HAMD24 ) ( MD : −2.40 , 95 % CI : −7.90 to 3.10 ) . Similar findings were also reported on improvement percentage of HAMD24 ( MD : 1.00 , 95%CI : −6.06 to 8.06 ) , Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) ( MD : 4.70 , 95%CI : −2.98 to 12.38 ) and 30 item Inventory of Depressive Symptomalogy-Self-Report ( IDS-SR30 ) ( MD : 4.9 , 95%CI : −1.89 to 11.69 ) . However , a marginal difference of Beck Depression Inventory self-rating score was detected between the real and sham treatment ( MD : 7.80 , 95 % CI : 0.34 to 15.26 ) . Aminor effect of IDS-SR30was also found in real VNS group ( RR : 2.33 , 95 % CI : 1.07 to 5.10 ) . Conclusion : The efficacy and safety of VNS for depression is still unclear . Further r and omized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of VNS Objectives Chronic low back pain ( CLBP ) affects millions of people worldwide , and appears to be increasing in prevalence . It is associated not only with pain , but also with increased disability , psychological symptoms , and reduced quality of life . There are various treatment options for CLBP , but no single therapy st and s out as being the most effective . In the past 10 years , yoga interventions have been studied as a CLBP treatment approach . The objective of this paper is to review the current literature supporting the efficacy of yoga for CLBP . Methods A literature search through the beginning of 2015 was conducted in Pub Med for r and omized control trials addressing treatment of CLBP with yoga . Results In this review we evaluate the use of yoga as a treatment for CLBP . Specifically we evaluate how yoga impacts physical functioning and disability , pain , and associated psychological symptoms . We also evaluate possible mediators of the effect of yoga and the safety of yoga . Discussion With few exceptions , previous studies and the recent r and omized control trials ( RCTs ) indicate that yoga can reduce pain and disability , can be practice d safely , and is well received by participants . Some studies also indicate that yoga may improve psychological symptoms , but these effects are currently not as well established PURPOSE This was a pilot project design ed to assess the effect of individualized yoga treatment on eating disorder outcomes among adolescents receiving outpatient care for diagnosed eating disorders ( anorexia nervosa , bulimia nervosa , eating disorder not otherwise specified ) . METHODS A total of 50 girls and 4 boys aged 11 - 21 years were r and omized to an 8-week trial of st and ard care vs. individualized yoga plus st and ard care . Of these , 27 were r and omized to st and ard care and 26 to yoga plus st and ard care  ( attrition : n = 4 ) . St and ard care ( every other week physician and /or dietician appointments ) was required to meet ethical guidelines . The No Yoga group was offered yoga after study completion as an incentive to maintain participation . Outcomes evaluated at baseline , end of trial , and 1-month follow-up included Eating Disorder Examination ( EDE ) , Body Mass Index ( BMI ) , Beck Depression Inventory , State-Trait Anxiety Inventory , and Food Preoccupation question naire . RESULTS The Yoga group demonstrated greater decreases in eating disorder symptoms . Specifically , the EDE scores decreased over time in the Yoga group , whereas the No Yoga group showed some initial decline but then returned to baseline EDE levels at week 12 . Food preoccupation was measured before and after each yoga session , and decreased significantly after all sessions . Both groups maintained current BMI levels and decreased in anxiety and depression over time . CONCLUSIONS Individualized yoga treatment decreased EDE scores at 12 weeks , and significantly reduced food preoccupation immediately after yoga sessions . Yoga treatment did not have a negative effect on BMI . Results suggest that individualized yoga therapy holds promise as adjunctive therapy to st and ard care OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week yoga program on heart rate variability ( HRV ) and depressive symptoms in depressed women . METHODS This was a r and omized controlled trial . Twenty-six sedentary women scoring ≥14 on the Beck Depression Inventory-II were r and omized to either the yoga or the control group . The yoga group completed a 12-week yoga program , which took place twice a week for 60 min per session and consisted of breathing exercises , yoga pose practice , and supine meditation/relaxation . The control group was instructed not to engage in any yoga practice and to maintain their usual level of physical activity during the course of the study .  Participants ' HRV , depressive symptoms , and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and post-test . RESULTS The yoga group had a significant increase in high-frequency HRV and decreases in low-frequency HRV and low frequency/high frequency ratio after the intervention . The yoga group also reported significantly reduced depressive symptoms and perceived stress . No change was found in the control group . CONCLUSIONS A 12-week yoga program was effective in increasing parasympathetic tone and reducing depressive symptoms and perceived stress in women with elevated depressive symptoms .  Regular yoga practice may be recommended for women to cope with their depressive symptoms and stress and to improve their HRV OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a 12-week mindfulness-based yoga intervention on depressive symptoms and rumination among depressed women . DESIGN Prospect i ve , r and omized , controlled 12 week intervention pilot study . Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline , post-intervention ( 12 weeks ) , and one-month follow-up . SETTING Women with a history of diagnosed depression and currently depressed were r and omized to a mindfulness-based yoga condition or a walking control . INTERVENTIONS The mindfulness-based yoga intervention consisted of a home-based yoga asana , pranayama and meditation practice with mindfulness education sessions delivered over the telephone . The walking control condition consisted of home-based walking sessions and health education sessions delivered over the phone . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) and Ruminative Responses Scale ( RRS ) . RESULTS Both groups reported decreases in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-intervention , f(1,33)=34.83 , p<0.001 , and from baseline to one-month follow-up , f(1,33)=37.01 , p<0.001 . After controlling for baseline , there were no significant between group differences on depression scores at post-intervention and the one-month follow-up assessment . The mindfulness-based yoga condition reported significantly lower levels of rumination than the control condition at post-intervention , after controlling for baseline levels of rumination , f(1,31)=6.23 , p<0.01 . CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that mindfulness-based yoga may provide tools to manage ruminative thoughts among women with elevated depressive symptoms . Future studies , with larger sample s are needed to address the effect of yoga on depression and further explore the impact on rumination UNLABELLED Yoga has often been perceived as a method of stress management tool that can assist in alleviating depression and anxiety disorders . This study sought to evaluate the influence of yoga in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety in women who were referred to a yoga clinic . METHODS The study involved a convenience sample of women who were referred to a yoga clinic from July 2006 to July 2007 . All new cases were evaluated on admission using a personal information question naire well as Beck and Spielberger tests . Participants were r and omly assigned into an experimental and a control group . The experimental group ( n=34 ) participated in twice weekly yoga classes of 90 min duration for two months . The control group ( n=31 ) was assigned to a waiting list and did not receive yoga . Both groups were evaluated again after the two-month study period . RESULTS The average prevalence of depression in the experimental group pre and post Yoga intervention was 12.82+/-7.9 and 10.79+/-6.04 respectively , a statistically insignificant decrease ( p=0.13 ) . However , when the experimental group was compared to the control group , women who participated in yoga classes showed a significant decrease in state anxiety ( p=0.03 ) and trait anxiety ( p<0.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS Participation in a two-month yoga class can lead to significant reduction in perceived levels of anxiety in women who suffer from anxiety disorders . This study suggests that yoga can be considered as a complementary therapy or an alternative method for medical therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders Background : The purpose of this open trial was to evaluate the safety , tolerability , and efficacy of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine as an antidepressant adjunct among partial and nonresponders to serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine . Method : Thirty antidepressant-treated adult out patients with persisting major depressive disorder received 800 to 1600 mg of S-adenosyl-l-methionine tosylate over a 6-week trial . Results : Intent-to-treat analyses based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale revealed a response rate of 50 % and a remission rate of 43 % following augmentation with S-adenosyl-l-methionine .  Gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches were the most common side effects . Conclusion : Augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine with S-adenosyl-l-methionine warrants a placebo-controlled trial in resistant depression Background and Purpose — Psychological stressors , including poststroke depression , poststroke anxiety , and posttraumatic stress disorder , are highly prevalent in stroke survivors . These symptoms exact a significant toll on stroke survivors . Clinical and research efforts in stroke recovery focus on motor disability , speech and language deficits , and cognitive dysfunction while largely neglecting psychological stressors . Evidence suggests mind-body interventions in other chronic illness population s decrease symptoms of depression , regulate immune responses , and promote resilience , yet similar studies are lacking in stroke population s. This review aims to synthesize evidence of the effects of mind-body interventions on psychological stressors , quality of life , and biological outcomes for stroke survivors . Methods — A systematic search of PubMed , PsycINFO , and CINAHL was conducted from data base inception to November 2017 . Results — Eight studies were included in the review , with a total of 292 participants .  Mind-body interventions included yoga or tai chi . Of the 5 included r and omized controlled trials , most were pilot or feasibility studies with small sample sizes . Psychological stressors , including poststroke depression and anxiety , along with the quality of life , improved over time , but statistically significant between-group differences were largely absent . The 3 included studies with a qualitative design reported themes reflecting improvement in psychological stressors and quality of life . No included studies reported biological outcomes . Conclusions — Studies of mind-body interventions suggest a possible benefit on psychological stressors and quality of life ; however , rigorously design ed , sufficiently powered r and omized controlled trials with mixed- methods design are warranted to delineate specific treatment effects of these interventions . Studies with both biological and psychological stressors as outcomes would provide evidence about interaction effects of these factors on stroke-survivor responses to mind-body interventions
Compared to aerobic exercise , no short- or medium-term group differences in depression severity was found .
Higher short-term depression severity was found for yoga compared to electro-convulsive therapy ;  remission rates did not differ between groups .
No short-term group differences occurred when yoga was compared to antidepressant medication .
Conflicting evidence was found when yoga was compared to attention-control interventions , or when yoga as an add-on to antidepressant medication was compared to medication alone .
This review found some evidence for positive effects beyond placebo and comparable effects compared to evidence -based interventions .
BACKGROUND The purpose of this review was to investigate the efficacy and safety of yoga interventions in treating patients with major depressive disorder .