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Research: SAEED and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 294
Abstract
SAEED and COLLEAGUES, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA. review the Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation in patients suffering depression and anxiety disorders.
Background
Many people with depression or anxiety turn to nonpharmacologic and nonconventional interventions, including exercise, yoga, meditation, tai chi, or qi gong.
Methodology
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have shown that these interventions can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Results
As an adjunctive treatment, exercise seems most helpful for treatment-resistant depression, unipolar depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Yoga as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy shows positive effects, particularly for depression. As an adjunctive therapy, it facilitates treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder. Tai chi and qi gong may be helpful as adjunctive therapies for depression, but effects are inconsistent. As monotherapy or an adjunctive therapy, mindfulness-based meditation has positive effects on depression, and its effects can last for six months or more.
Conclusion
Although positive findings are less common in people with anxiety disorders, the evidence supports adjunctive use. There are no apparent negative effects of mindfulness-based interventions, and their general health benefits justify their use as adjunctive therapy for patients with depression and anxiety disorders. Grant support R25 MH083620/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States
References
Sy Atezaz Saeed 1 , Karlene Cunningham 1 , Richard M Bloch 1. Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation. Am Fam Physician ;99(10):620-627. May 15 2019. 1 East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA.
Comment
The general health benefits of mindfulness-based interventions including exercise, yoga, meditation, tai chi, or qi gong justify their use as adjunctive therapy for patients with depression and anxiety disorders.
