Effect of adjunct yoga therapy in depressive disorders: Findings from a randomized controlled study

Background: Depression causes significant burden both to the individual and to society, and its treatment by antidepressants has various disadvantages. There is preliminary evidence that adds on yoga therapy improves depression by impacting the neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood, motivation, and pleasure. Our study aimed to find the effect of adjunctive yoga therapy on outcome of depression and comorbid anxiety.

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled study involving patients with major depressive disorder (n = 80) were allocated to two groups, one received standard therapy (antidepressants and counseling) and the other received adjunct yoga therapy along with standard therapy. Ratings of depression and anxiety were done using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, 10^th and 30^th day. Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Scale was applied at baseline and 30^th day to view the severity of illness and clinical improvement.

Results: By the 30^th day, individuals in the yoga group had significantly lower scores of depression, anxiety, and CGI scores, in comparison to the control group. The individuals in the yoga group had a significant fall in depression scores and significant clinical improvement, compared to the control group, from baseline to 30^th day and 10^th to 30^th day. In addition, the individuals in the yoga group had a significant fall in anxiety scores from baseline to 10^th day.

Conclusion: Anxiety starts to improve with short-term yoga sessions, while long-term yoga therapy is likely to be beneficial in the treatment of depression.