D'Silva, S., Poscablo, C., Habousha, R., Kogan, M., & Kligler, B. (2012). Mind-body medicine therapies for a range of depression severity: A systematic review. Psychosomatics, 53(5), 407–423.
To perform a systematic review of evidence related to the use of mind-body therapies to address various symptoms of depression
Among studies that included patients with cancer, six studies involved yoga and one examined relaxation and guided imagery. Among the yoga studies, three showed positive results with yoga alone or in combination with other supportive therapies, two showed negative results, and the results of one were equivocal. Relaxation and guided imagery were associated with postive results. Across all studies involving various medical illnesses, 74% associated mind-body therapies with positive results.
Mind-body therapies appear to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
The individualized attention provided to patients via mind-body therapies may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression.