Yoga as a Treatment for Depression: Applications for Mental Health Practitioners

Yoga is an ancient mind-body philosophy from the East, commonly associated in the West with physical postures (asana), breath work (pranayama), and meditation. Empirical research has found generally positive effects, with yoga practice and interventions associated with reduced symptoms of depression. This article provides a brief introduction to yoga philosophy and an overview of the current empirical support for yoga as a treatment for depression. Yoga as a monotherapy versus treatment augmentation strategy, as well as potential physiological mechanisms of action and transdiagnostic use, are briefly addressed. Clinical considerations are also discussed from the perspective of the mental health clinician. Yoga is an ancient mind-body philosophy from the East, commonly associated in the West with physical postures (asana), breath work (pranayama), and meditation. Empirical research has found generally positive effects, with yoga practice and interventions associated with reduced symptoms of depression. This article provides a brief introduction to yoga philosophy and an overview of the current empirical support for yoga as a treatment for depression. Yoga as a monotherapy versus treatment augmentation strategy, as well as potential physiological mechanisms of action and transdiagnostic use, are briefly addressed. Clinical considerations are also discussed from the perspective of the mental health clinician. [[Psychiatr Ann.2019;49(1):11–15.]