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The effectiveness of yoga for depression: a critical literature review.

Issues in mental health nursing
April 1, 2014
Lila Louie
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to examine the effectiveness of yoga, particularly its mindfulness and meditation aspects, as an intervention for depression.

Results Summary

The review found promising positive effects of yoga on depression, though the studies had methodological limitations that could inform future research.

Population

General population, with noted vulnerability among women, young adults, and seniors.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (2)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
yoga
decrease
depression
-
-
may decrease
#1
yoga
neutral
-
-
-
significant positive findings
#2
Abstract

In the United States, the prevalence of depression is quite high-9% in the general population-with women, young adults, and seniors particularly vulnerable. In recent years, increasing numbers of people are turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for relief from depression and other mental health problems. One form of CAM, yoga, has been growing in popularity; this rise in popularity has, in part, been driven by interest in how this practice, with its mindfulness and meditation aspects, may decrease depression. This critical literature review examines six recent studies on yoga as an intervention; specifically, this review focuses on yoga styles in which the practice of yoga poses, called asanas, is the core component. Although the significant positive findings are promising, the studies had methodological limitations; identification of these limitations can inform future studies.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAgedComplementary TherapiesDepressive DisorderFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicSpiritualityTreatment OutcomeYogaYoung Adult
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality65/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations27
Citations/Year2.5
Relative Citation Ratio1.52
NIH Percentile65.5%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score1.47
Normalized Score0.61
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