Yoga's Role in Alleviating Adult Depression: A Comprehensive Review

This report provides a comprehensive literature review on the impact of yoga as a non-pharmacological intervention for adult depression. It examines various studies, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, to assess yoga's effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms. The review highlights the benefits of different yoga styles, such as hatha yoga and mindfulness-based yoga, and their impact on anxiety, stress, and overall well-being. The report synthesizes findings from multiple studies, including those involving individuals with breast cancer and pregnant women, demonstrating yoga's potential as an adjunct or primary treatment option. The analysis also addresses the importance of creating non-judgmental environments, the need for personalized yoga practices, and the importance of training yoga professionals. While acknowledging the potential risks and safety considerations, the review underscores the growing interest in yoga as an accessible and affordable treatment for depression, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers and individuals seeking alternative approaches to mental health management. The review also highlights the need for more research on yoga instructor training and safety issues.

1
Running head: HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
Health Practitioner Practice
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
Introduction
Adult depression is a pressing health concern across the world in the contemporary
time. N Australia, 1 million adults suffer from this mental condition, increasing the burden of
treatment in health care facilities. Recognising the far-reaching impact of depression and the
identifying suitable strategies to overcome them is essential at present (Titov et al. 2015). The
intervention that is considered for the present literature review is the yoga which is a group of
mental, spiritual and physical practice. Impact of yoga and its extent of effectiveness in
treating different diseases have been studied extensively in the literature. The present paper
would highlight the impact of yoga in reducing and/or eliminating depression of adults.
Depression and non-pharmacological treatment
Depression is the mental condition in which an individual suffers from negative
feelings, sadness, loss of interest in life and daily activities. These symptoms, when
persisting, affect the life substantially. The causes of depression are multi-faceted and a
complex combination of environmental, psychosocial, biological and genetic factors.
Depression is not the common fluctuation in an individual’s mood that persists for a short
span of time. Instead, it persists for a long span of time and challenges the normal daily
functioning. It is a psychiatric disorder that is highly prevalent across the globe, and tends to
be chronic and recurrent (Greenberg 2017).
Though pharmacological treatment has been the primary therapeutic approach taken
for combating depression, different non-pharmacological interventions are now regarded as
more effective as therapy (Gilbert 2016). As per the author, non-pharmacological treatment
options are still under examination to come up with a standardised treatment procedure. Yoga
has drawn attention in the recent past as a possible intervention for depression. Through the
reduction of anxiety and stress, yoga aims to alter the stress response system. Yoga is found

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
to change the body’s functioning that in turn alters the ability of the body to response to
arising stress in a more flexible manner.
Synthesis of literature
Uebelacker et al. (2017) conducted a randomised control trail to understand the
experiences of individuals suffering from depression and undergoing a ten-week hatha yoga
program. After ten weeks of yoga class, the participants provided written responses to
questions framed in an open-ended manner to understand whether they found the classes
helpful and effective or not. The study concluded that elements of the classes increased the
acceptability for the individuals when there was a promotion of non-judgemental and non-
competitive atmosphere. When given a warm and affectionate approach, the therapy was
more effective. However, there were challenges concerning the physical ability to carry out
all exercises.
Medical interventions considering both mind and body are useful in coping up with
depression and yoga is one of the commonly used techniques of this category (Cramer et al.
2013). The authors carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of
yoga for addressing depression. The results revealed that there was moderate evidence
supporting the short-term impact of yoga as compared to usual care process. Detailed analysis
indicated the effectiveness of short-term impact of the same in patients who suffered from
high levels of depression. The study showed that yoga could be considered as an auxiliary or
supplementary treatment option for those who show depressive symptoms.
Uebelacker et al. (2017) attempted to determine whether hatha yoga is useful as an
adjunct intervention when given to patients with continued symptoms along with
antidepressant treatment. A randomised control trial was conducted for ten weeks that
compared yoga classes and heath education classes. While the primary outcome was

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
symptoms of depression, secondary outcomes were the role and social functioning, physical
functioning, pain, and general health perceptions. Though there was no statistically
significant difference between the two groups, the followup period had participants showing
lower levels of depression. It was found that patient given yoga therapy demonstrated the
better role and social functioning and had better health perceptions.
According to Taso et al. (2014), anxiety and depression are the most important
problems influencing the quality of life for those who have suffered breast cancer and have
received chemotherapy. The researchers studied the impact of yoga exercise program for
eight weeks in the promotion of the physical and psychological health of women with breast
cancer in terms of depression. A quasi experimental research with sixty participants gave rise
to the result that yoga therapy provided for an hour for two days a week brought a reduction
in the overall rate of fatigue but not depression.
Positive impacts of yoga in reducing depression and stress in pregnant woman have
been long researched into (Field et al. 2013). The study conducted by the researchers had
ninety-two pregnant women suffering from prenatal depression assigned to yoga/tai chi or a
control group. The participants of the intervention group underwent a 20 minutes session in a
week for 12 weeks. The results showed that tai chi/ yoga group had lesser scores for
depression. In addition, the subscale scores for vegetative symptoms were also less. Yoga
contributed to a positive change for women regarding the reduction of pain and stress caused
by pregnancy.
Louie (2014) explored the effectiveness of yoga in treating depression through a
critical literature review. The review considered six studies that discussed yoga as a primary
intervention for depression. It focused on different yoga styles and posed as the core
components. Collectively, it came into light that yoga, in which different body positions are

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
considered, is a popular, cost-effective and safe method for amelioration of depression. Yoga
might be used together with medication or as a separate intervention. It is a versatile therapy,
allowing for personalisation. This is of much significance for addressing patient-specific
issues. Health care providers are to be more engaged in providing support to patients to
undergo this therapy.
Against the backdrop that depression is a leading cause of disability across the globe,
Manimcor et al. (2016) carried out a randomised control trial for understanding the impact of
individualised yoga on depression and improvement of the wellbeing of patients at home
settings. One hundred and one people suffering from depression were subjected to six-week-
long yoga intervention. This was provided in adjunct with normal treatment. There were
statistically significant differences between yoga and control groups in regards to reduction of
depression scores. It was concluded that yoga therapy in conjunct with regular care is better
for treating symptoms as compared with conventional care.
Uebelacker and Broughton (2016) opined that the interest in gaining insights into
applications of yoga is increasing. As per the authors, yoga has come a long way in being a
treatment option for depression as it is accessible, appealing and affordable. There are
affective and biological processes by which yoga exerts a positive impact on patients
suffering from depression. In their review of research undertaken previously by healthcare
providers, the authors further highlighted that preliminary evidence indicates yoga practices
to be helpful. The present evidence base is strongest for yoga, but there a number of risks to
engage in yoga too.
Duan-Porter provided an evidence map of yoga for depression, anxiety disorder,
posttraumatic stress disorder and panic symptoms. A literature review was conducted with
systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials. All studies identified indicated the

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
useful of yoga therapy against depression. It gave additional information on how yoga can
bring improvement in short-term depressive symptoms. The search highlighted that there is a
scarcity of information on training processes of yoga instructors and the extent of instructions
provided.
Schuver and Lewis (2016) explored the usefulness of 12-week mindfulness-based
yoga intervention in treating depressive symptoms suffered by depressed women. A
randomised controlled trial was undertaken where participants were given mindfulness-based
yoga intervention that encompassed home-based yoga positions and postures, along with
meditation practice. Education was provided to the patients over telephonic conversations.
The findings suggested that such interventions act as valuable tools for managing ruminative
thoughts in those who suffer such symptoms. During yoga, the process that takes place is that
mindfulness decreases rumination as participants are provided with an opportunity to put
their focus on substitute thoughts.
Conclusion
The prevalence of depression in adults is a serious concern at the contemporary era
since the social and health burden of the same is increasing. Depression is the loss of pleasure
or low mood that a person experiences for more than a month. Attempts are being made to
investigate novice methods by which depression can be treated. Yoga offers a wide range of
benefits that re related to the reduction of depressive symptoms in patients. It is to be
highlighted that patients with different causes of depression can be treated with yoga. These
encompass cancer and pregnancy. Mindfulness as an element of yoga helps in reducing the
depressive symptoms. Patients can achieve enhanced mood and emotions through this. Yoga
can be done in combination with conventional treatments for this mental health condition.
The concern that arises in this context that there are certain risks related to the practice of

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
yoga. There is a need of training yoga professionals on delivery intervention on an individual
basis. Safety issues are to be looked after while delivery yoga intervention.

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
References
Cramer, H., Lauche, R., Langhorst, J. and Dobos, G., 2013. Yoga for depression: A
systematic review and meta‐analysis. Depression and anxiety, 30(11), pp.1068-1083.
Duan-Porter, W., Coeytaux, R.R., McDuffie, J.R., Goode, A.P., Sharma, P., Mennella, H.,
Nagi, A. and Williams Jr, J.W., 2016. Evidence Map of Yoga for Depression, Anxiety, and
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(3), pp.281-288.
Field, T., Diego, M., Delgado, J. and Medina, L., 2013. Tai chi/yoga reduces prenatal
depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Complementary therapies in clinical
practice, 19(1), pp.6-10.
Gilbert, P., 2016. Depression: The evolution of powerlessness. Routledge.
Greenberg, L.S., 2017. Emotion-focused therapy of depression. Person-Centered &
Experiential Psychotherapies, pp.1-12.
Louie, L., 2014. The effectiveness of yoga for depression: a critical literature review. Issues
in mental health nursing, 35(4), pp.265-276.
Manincor, M., Bensoussan, A., Smith, C.A., Barr, K., Schweickle, M., Donoghoe, L.L.,
Bourchier, S. and Fahey, P., 2016. Individualized yoga for reducing depression and anxiety,
and improving well‐being: a randomized controlled trial. Depression and anxiety, 33(9),
pp.816-828.
Schuver, K.J. and Lewis, B.A., 2016. Mindfulness-based yoga intervention for women with
depression. Complementary therapies in medicine, 26, pp.85-91.
Taso, C.J., Lin, H.S., Lin, W.L., Chen, S.M., Huang, W.T. and Chen, S.W., 2014. The effect
of yoga exercise on improving depression, anxiety, and fatigue in women with breast cancer:
a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Nursing Research, 22(3), pp.155-164.
Titov, N., Dear, B.F., Staples, L.G., Bennett-Levy, J., Klein, B., Rapee, R.M., Shann, C.,
Richards, D., Andersson, G., Ritterband, L. and Purtell, C., 2015. MindSpot clinic: an
accessible, efficient, and effective online treatment service for anxiety and
depression. Psychiatric Services, 66(10), pp.1043-1050.

HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRACTICE
Uebelacker, L.A. and Broughton, M.K., 2016. Yoga for depression and anxiety: A review of
published research and implications for healthcare providers. RI Med J, 99, pp.20-22.
Uebelacker, L.A., Kraines, M., Broughton, M.K., Tremont, G., Gillette, L.T., Epstein-Lubow,
G., Abrantes, A.M., Battle, C. and Miller, I.W., 2017. Perceptions of hatha yoga amongst
persistently depressed individuals enrolled in a trial of yoga for depression. Complementary
Therapies in Medicine.
Uebelacker, L.A., Tremont, G., Gillette, L.T., Epstein-Lubow, G., Strong, D.R., Abrantes,
A.M., Tyrka, A.R., Tran, T., Gaudiano, B.A. and Miller, I.W., 2017. Adjunctive yoga v.
health education for persistent major depression: a randomized controlled trial. Psychological
Medicine, pp.1-13.