Yoga
Pilkington et al reported a positive impact of yoga on depression, although methodological weaknesses make the study results hard to interpret.177 A study of 71 normal adults compared visualization and relaxation techniques with 30 minutes of yoga postures and breathing exercises, and the results indicated that the participants in the yoga group became more energetic and alert with improved mood.178 Kundalini yoga techniques have also been found to be effective in depression.179 In another study, 113 psychiatric inpatients who attended Hatha yoga classes experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression. Improvements also occurred in anxiety, depression, hostility, fatigue, and confusion.180 Lavey et al and Weintraub suggest that yoga has a considerable benefit for patients with depression.180–181
In another study, 28 patients with mild depression who participated in two one-hour Iyengar yoga classes showed a significant reduction in depression scores compared with a control group.182 To benefit from Iyengar yoga, patients with treatment-resistant depression need long-term exposure to yoga practices.183 Other variants of yoga, such as Shavasana and Sudarshan Kirya, are also effective in mild-to-severe depression, including in older adults.184–186 Brown and Gerberg have developed a neurophysiological model of Sudarshan Kirya and discussed its clinical usefulness in depressive disorder.187,188 Other yoga researchers have found LifeForce yoga to be effective in depression.189 Sudarshan Kirya has been shown to increase serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, an indicator of neuroplasticity, which is correlated with improvement in depression.190