Depression

Postpartum Depression is Improved With Virtual Reality Mindfulness and Yoga Training

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Fig. 1

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety in the post COVID era” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11973155/  ) Liu and colleagues examined the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) enhanced mindfulness meditation and yoga training in comparison to traditional training and a no-training control on the symptoms of postpartum depression. They report that the VR enhanced training produced greater decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress and increases in cognitive control than the traditional training or no-treatment controls.

 

Improve postpartum depression symptoms with virtual reality mindfulness and yoga training.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu N, Deng J, Lu F, Xiao J. Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety in the post COVID era. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):11766. Published 2025 Apr 6. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-96165-6

Abstract

The postpartum period has witnessed increasing rates of depression and anxiety, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with these conditions often co-occurring and being exacerbated by the lingering effects of long COVID. Traditional interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and yoga, have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms. However, the limitations of in-person sessions, especially in the context of pandemic-related restrictions, highlight the need for accessible, innovative approaches. Integrating Virtual Reality (VR) technology with these traditional practices presents a novel solution, offering immersive, customizable environments that may enhance engagement and therapeutic outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a VR-enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention in treating postpartum depression and anxiety in women affected by long COVID, with additional examination of underlying physiological stress markers and cognitive control mechanisms. In this randomized controlled trial, 111 postpartum women were randomly assigned to experimental (VR-enhanced intervention), control (traditional in-person sessions), or blank groups using computer-generated randomization. The 8-week intervention involved thrice-weekly 60-minute sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, salivary cortisol measurements, and an emotional Stroop task. The VR-enhanced intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in both depression (EPDS: P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.18) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7: P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.17), with these therapeutic effects significantly greater than those observed in the control and blank groups (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). These improvements were strongly correlated (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). Supporting these primary outcomes, salivary cortisol levels showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.13), and cognitive control improved as evidenced by reduced emotional Stroop task conflict effect (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.37). Correlation analysis revealed robust associations between improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms and changes in physiological markers in both short-term and long-term outcomes. This study demonstrates that integrating VR technology with traditional mindfulness and yoga practices effectively reduces both postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms in the post-COVID era. The parallel improvements in physiological stress markers and cognitive control provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects. These findings underscore the value of immersive technology in enhancing traditional therapeutic approaches for addressing postpartum depression and anxiety in the post-pandemic context.

 

Yoga Meditation Improves Mental Health in Female College Students

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Why should college students go for Yoga & Meditation? - Blog | Graphic Era

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11931514/ ) Liu and colleagues studied the effects of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students. They report that yoga meditation improved the women’s mental health including significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress and increased emotional regulation and self-awareness.

 

Improve mental health with yoga meditation.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu L, Liu C, Tang L, Wang X, Feng Q. From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students?. Front Psychol. 2025;16:1545943. Published 2025 Mar 10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1545943

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students, focusing on how meditation improves emotional regulation, alleviates stress and strengthens psychological resilience.

Methods

Employing a combination of quantitative assessment and qualitative analysis, the study measured participants’ emotional states, stress levels, and psychological resilience across multiple time points to track participants’ mental health changes dynamically. In-depth interviews and analysis of meditation journals were also conducted.

Results

Yoga meditation significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and perceived stress while enhancing emotional regulation and self-awareness. Meditation positively influenced neuroplasticity, inducing beneficial changes in brain regions associated with emotional control and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, improved autonomic nervous system function was observed, with increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic response. Meditation strengthened psychological resilience in female college students, improved stress-coping strategies, and sustained positive mental health benefits even after the intervention.

Conclusion

Yoga meditation is an effective mental health intervention, bolstering emotional regulation and reducing stress among female college students. Integrating yoga meditation into campus mental health programs is recommended to provide students with greater practice opportunities and personalized guidance.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms are Improved by Meditation or Yoga

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Parkinson's Disease | Contemplative Studies

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Meditation and Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Inflammation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11965853/ ) Kwok and colleagues studied the effects of meditation and yoga practice on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. They found that these practices significantly relieved a wide variety of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, inflammation, movement problems, and improved quality of life.

 

Meditation and yoga relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Jojo Yan Yan Kwok, Lily Man Lee Chan, Charis Ann Lai, Philip Wing Lok Ho, Zoe Yuen-kiu Choi, Man Auyeung, Shirley Yin Yu Pang, Edmond Pui Hang Choi, Daniel Yee Tak Fong, Doris Sau Fung Yu, Chia-chin Lin, Richard Walker, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Rainbow Tin Hung Ho. Effects of Meditation and Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Inflammation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Psychother Psychosom. 2025 Feb 28;94(2):101–118.

Abstract

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend a holistic approach to Parkinson’s disease (PD) care, yet randomized trials examining mindfulness-based interventions in this context are scarce. This study investigated the effects of two mindfulness practices – meditation and yoga – on biopsychosocial outcomes in PD patients, including anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, motor/nonmotor symptoms, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL), mindfulness, and stress and inflammation biomarkers, compared to usual care.

Methods

159 participants with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD and a Hoehn and Yahr stage of 1, 2, and 3, were randomized into meditation (n = 53), yoga (n = 52), and control (n = 54). Meditation and yoga were delivered in 90-min groups for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included motor and nonmotor symptoms, HRQOL, mindfulness, and serum levels of interleukin-6, cortisol and TNF-alpha. Assessments were done at baseline (T0), 2 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Linear mixed models were conducted following intention-to-treat principle.

Results

Compared to control, both meditation, and yoga groups had significant improvements in anxiety symptoms (meditation: mean difference [MD] = −1.36, 95% CI: −2.46 to−0.26; yoga: MD = −1.61, CI: −2.70 to −0.52), motor symptoms (meditation: MD = −5.35, CI: −8.61 to−2.09; yoga: MD = −6.59, CI: −9.82 to−3.36), HRQOL (meditation: MD = −2.01, CI: −3.41 to−0.62; yoga: MD = −1.45, CI: −2.83 to−0.08), and describing skills (meditation: MD = 0.97, CI: 0.04–1.89; yoga: MD = 0.92, CI: 0.01–1.84) at T1, and significant reductions in serum interleukin-6 levels (meditation: MD = −1.14, CI: −2.18 to−0.10; yoga: MD = −1.11, CI: −2.09 to−0.13) at T2. Only meditation significantly reduced depression (MD = −1.44, CI: −2.57 to−0.30) at T1 and sustained the motor and HRQOL improvements at T2.

Conclusion

Meditation and yoga significantly improved anxiety symptoms, chronic inflammation, motor symptoms, mindfulness-describing facet, and HRQOL in PD patients. Meditation provided additional benefits in reducing depressive symptoms and sustaining motor and HRQOL improvements.

 

Improve Mental Health with Mindfulness

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What Is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900371/ ) Gkintoni and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies of the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on mental health. They report that MBCT significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and increased cognition and the regulation of emotions.

 

So, mindfulness-based therapy improves mental health.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Gkintoni E, Vassilopoulos SP, Nikolaou G. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 3;14(5):1703. doi: 10.3390/jcm14051703. PMCID: PMC11900371.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review outlines the neurocognitive outcomes and mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) that influence subjective well-being. MBCT is a clinical intervention that integrates cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices to prevent depression relapses and improve mental health. Methods: The review focuses on the effects of MBCT on brain structure changes, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation, which are related to improvements in subjective well-being. A total of 87 studies were included in the review to assess the effectiveness of MBCT. Results: Evidence from the studies highlights the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. MBCT was also shown to enhance cognitive functions and emotional regulation across diverse populations. These findings point to the potential for MBCT to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain and widen the applicability of the treatment for a variety of disorders, calling for further research into long-term benefits and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Conclusions: The review emphasizes the potential of MBCT to bring about neuroplastic changes, calling for further research into its long-term benefits and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. This study underlines the need to incorporate multidisciplinary measures by integrating psychology and neuroscience to comprehend comprehensively the effects of MBCT.

 

Mindfulness Training Decreases Stress and Depression in Older Adults

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Improve Mental Health in Older Adults with Online Meditation Practice | Contemplative Studies

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11863447/ ) Wang and colleagues investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on the mental health of older adults (>60 yrs.) compared to usual care. They found that MBCT produced significant reductions in perceived stress and depression.

 

So, improve the mental health of older adults with mindfulness training.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Wang YH, Wang YL, Leung DKY, Ng ZLY, Chan OLH, Wong SMY, Chan RCL, Liu T, Wong GHY, Lum TYS. Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Feb 26;25:81. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04781-6. PMCID: PMC11863447.

 

Abstract

Background

Emerging evidence has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective in improving depressive symptoms in the older population. However, the accessibility to MBCT is limited by the shortage of psychotherapists or mindfulness teachers. One potential solution is to involve social workers, who have the knowledge and skills to promote individual and community well-being in various settings, in delivering modified MBCT to enhance its accessibility and sustainability. This study examined the effectiveness of an eight-week age-modified MBCT led by different mental health professionals (mindfulness teacher only vs. mindfulness teacher and social worker) in improving mental health outcomes as compared with a control group.

Methods

Older adults (N = 112) were recruited through five community-based centres for older adults and mental wellness in Hong Kong. Participants were allocated to one of three groups: (1) mindfulness teacher-led modified MBCT, (2) social worker/teacher co-led modified MBCT (50% led by social workers and 50% led by mindfulness teacher), or (3) control (care as usual). The age-modified MBCT consisted of eight weekly sessions, with age-related modifications including more sitting meditation, shortened duration of each session, and the removal of the retreat. Outcome variables (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness) were assessed at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1), and four weeks after the intervention (T2), through self-reported questionnaires. Linear mixed models were performed while controlling for demographic variables to examine changes in outcome variables between the groups.

Results

Participants from the age-modified MBCT intervention groups (teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led) showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and stress, as well as greater increase in mindful non-reactivity, compared to the control group post-intervention. No significant interaction effect of time and group was found for anxiety and both overall mindfulness and its other facets. The improvements in mental health and mindfulness outcomes post-intervention were not significantly different between the teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led MCBT groups.

Discussion

Age-modified MBCT is beneficial in managing depressive and stress symptoms and in improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults at risk for depression. The findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of partial task-shifting in the delivery of MBCT to trained social workers. Future studies may explore the possibility for social workers in leading MBCTs independently to further improve its scalability and service accessibility for older adults in the community.

 

Online Yoga Improves the Psychological Health of Cancer Patients

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The pros and cons of online yoga - Ekhart Yoga

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11817149/ ) Gatti and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga practice presented online to alleviate the psychological sequala of a cancer diagnosis. They report that online yoga significantly increases sleep quality and quality of life and reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients with a diagnosis of cancer.

 

Yoga practice improves the psychological health of cancer patients.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Gatti F, Perego G, Milano F, Calleri G, Giurioli B, Di Mattei VE. The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jan 23;13(3):225. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13030225. PMID: 39942415; PMCID: PMC11817149.

 

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with 9.7 million deaths in 2022. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, many cancer patients experience side effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cancer-related fatigue. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, have gained attention for their potential to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, barriers such as fatigue, pain, and transportation issues limit access to in-person yoga, leading to the growing adoption of online yoga as a viable alternative. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes research on the effectiveness of online yoga for cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases on 24 October 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the CASP Checklist. Of 6266 articles initially identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising qualitative (n = 4) and quantitative (n = 10) studies. Results: The results suggest that online yoga can improve stress and sleep quality, with moderate effects on anxiety, depression, and fatigue. However, variability in study designs and methodological limitations complicate the evaluation of its overall effectiveness. Conclusions: Online yoga offers a practical, accessible option for cancer patients unable to attend in-person sessions, showing the potential to enhance mental and physical health outcomes. Nevertheless, the variability in study methodologies highlights the need for more standardized research to establish its role as a supportive intervention in oncology care.

 

Mindfulness Reduces Stress in Heart Disease Patients

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Women With Myocardial Infarction: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11786073/ ) Spruill and colleagues examined the effectiveness of mindfulness training (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy – MBCT) on stress levels of women diagnosed with myocardial infarction. They found that in comparison to an active control condition (heart disease education) the women who received mindfulness training had significantly lower perceived stress levels and the more they practiced the greater the reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

Hence, mindfulness improves the mental health of women with heart disease.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Spruill TM, Park C, Kalinowski J, Arabadjian ME, Xia Y, Shallcross AJ, Visvanathan P, Smilowitz NR, Hausvater A, Bangalore S, Zhong H, Park K, Mehta PK, Thomas DK, Trost J, Bainey KR, Heydari B, Wei J, Dickson VV, Ogedegbe G, Berger JS, Hochman JS, Reynolds HR. Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Women With Myocardial Infarction: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. JACC Adv. 2025 Jan 16;4(2):101530. doi: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101530. PMID: 39898341; PMCID: PMC11786073.

 

Abstract

Background

Elevated perceived stress is associated with adverse outcomes following myocardial infarction (MI) and may account for poorer recovery among women vs men.

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial tested effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on stress levels among women with MI.

Methods

Women with elevated stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-4]≥6) at least 2 months after MI were enrolled from 12 hospitals in the United States and Canada and via community advertising. Participants were randomized to a remotely delivered mindfulness intervention (MBCT-Brief) or heart disease education, both 8 weeks long. Follow-up was 6 months. Changes in stress (PSS-10; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, quality of life, disease-specific health status, actigraphy-assessed sleep) were compared between groups.

Results

The sample included 130 women with MI (mean age 59.8 ± 12.8 years, 34% racial/ethnic minorities). In intention-to-treat analysis, PSS-10 scores declined in the MBCT-Brief arm (−0.52 [95% CI: −0.77 to −0.28]) but not the heart disease education arm (−0.19 [95% CI: −0.45 to 0.06]; group×time interaction P = 0.070). The effect was stronger in per-protocol analysis of participants who completed ≥4 intervention sessions (P = 0.049). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes in intention-to-treat or per-protocol analyses. Within the MBCT-Brief arm, more frequent mindfulness practice was associated with greater reductions in stress (P = 0.007), depressive symptoms (P = 0.017), and anxiety (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

MBCT-Brief was associated with greater 6-month reductions in stress than an active control among adherent participants. More frequent mindfulness practice was associated with greater improvements in psychological outcomes. Strategies to engage women with MI in mindfulness training and support regular home practice may enhance these effects.

 

Adding a Psychedelic Drug to Mindfulness Training Enhances Relief of Burnout and Depression

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Combining psychedelics with meditation increases mindfulness and mystical-type transcendence

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11722457/pdf/nihpp-2024.12.31.24319806v1.pdf )  Lewis and colleagues performed a randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of Mindfulness training (8-wks of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – MBSR) with or without an additional Psychedelic drug (psilocybin) on the mental health of healthcare workers suffering from burnout and depression.

 

They found that the addition of the psychedelic drug significantly increased the relief of depression, burnout, and demoralization and the improvement of connectedness produced by the mindfulness training.

 

Hence, psychedelic drugs enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness training on burnout.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Lewis BR, Hendrick J, Byrne K, Odette M, Wu C, Garland EL. Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial. medRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Jan 1:2024.12.31.24319806. doi: 10.1101/2024.12.31.24319806. PMID: 39802794; PMCID: PMC11722457.

 

Abstract

Objective

This clinical trial sought to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin and MBSR for frontline healthcare providers with symptoms of depression and burnout related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled physicians and nurses with frontline clinical work during the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of depression and burnout. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either an 8-week MBSR curriculum alone or an 8-week MBSR curriculum plus group psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) with 25mg psilocybin. Symptoms of depression and burnout were assessed at baseline, and 2-weeks and 6-months post intervention utilizing the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR-16) and Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Professionals (MBI-HSS-MP), respectively. Secondary outcome measures included the Demoralization Scale (DS-II) and the Watt’s Connectedness Scale (WCS). Adverse events and suicidality were assessed through 6-month follow-up.

Results

25 participants were enrolled and randomized. There were 12 study-related AEs recorded that were Grade 1-2 and no serious AEs. There was larger decrease in QIDS score for the MBSR+PAP arm compared to MBSR-only from baseline to 2-weeks post-intervention and significant between-group differences favoring MBSR+PAP on subscales of the MBI-HSS-MP as well as the DS-II and WCS.

Conclusions

Group psilocybin-assisted therapy plus MBSR was associated with clinically significant improvement in depressive symptoms without serious adverse events and with greater reduction in symptoms than MBSR alone. Study findings suggest that integrating psilocybin with mindfulness training may represent a promising treatment for depression and burnout among physicians and nurses.

 

Yoga Lessens Depression in Pregnant Women

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Yoga in pregnancy: Many poses are safer than once thought - Harvard Health

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “. Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in women with pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11758411/ ) Punsuwun and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga practice on the mood of pregnant women. They found that the research reports that yoga practice significantly reduces depression in pregnant women.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Punsuwun S, Oerther S, Reangsing C. Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in women with pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2025 Jan 3;11(1):e41664. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41664. PMID: 39866491; PMCID: PMC11758411.

Abstract

Background

While electroconvulsive therapy and antidepressants are standard treatments for depressed pregnant women, they are not without threats. The objective of this study was to quantitative synthesis of the literature regarding the effect of yoga interventions on depressive symptoms in pregnant women.

Methods

Nine electronic databases were searched for primary studies with pregnant women with depression measured as outcomes and written in English. Based on the random-effects model, we used Hedges’ g to compute the effect size and examined the subgroup analysis.

Results

We found twelve primary studies which included 738 participants who were 28.43 ± 1.92 years old across studies. The overall effect size using random-effects model was g = 1.120 (95%CI .52, 1.72, p < .001). Providing yoga to pregnant women with mood disorder had a lesser effect size (g = .10) than providing yoga to pregnant women without a mood disorder (g = 1.45). Funded studies had a lesser ES (g = .51) than those with unfunded (g = 1.98). Proving yoga in Eastern countries had a greater ES (g = 1.82) than providing yoga in Western (g = .40). No quality indicators showed moderator effects.

Conclusion

When compared to controls, pregnant women who practiced yoga reported significantly improved depressive symptoms. Yoga might be an alternative complementary therapy that clinicians and other healthcare professionals might think about utilizing to help pregnant women who are depressed.

 

Mindfulness Protects Against Depression and Psychopathology in Alzheimer’s Disease

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“People do not realize that Alzheimer’s is not old age. It is a progressive and fatal disease and staggering amounts of people develop Alzheimer’s every day.” – Melina Kanakaredes

 

The normal aging process involves a systematic progressive decline in every system in the body, the brain included. The elderly often have problems with attention, thinking, and memory, known as mild cognitive impairment. But sometimes the decline is rapid and results in dementia; a progressive loss of mental function produced by degenerative diseases of the brain. It is quite common with about 3% of adults ages 70 to 74, 22% of adults ages 85 to 89 and 33% of adults ages 90 and older. Between 60% to 80% of dementia cases are classified as Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

An encouraging new development is that mindfulness practices such as meditation training and mindful movement practices can significantly reduce these declines in cognitive ability and dementia. In addition, it has been found that mindfulness practices reduce the deterioration of the brain that occurs with aging restraining the loss of neural tissue. This suggests that mindfulness may help to relieve some of the symptoms and/or slow the progression of mild Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness Prevents Depression and Psychopathology in Elderly People with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9881020/) Quintana-Hernández and colleagues recruited elderly patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease and randomly assigned them to one of four conditions; Mindfulness-based Alzheimer’s Stimulation; CS, Cognitive Stimulation; PMR, Progressive Muscle Relaxation; or no treatment. All participants received 3 weekly sessions for 2 years combined with daily 10 mg Donepezil. They were measured for depression, geriatric depression, and neuropsychological symptoms at baseline or 6, 12, 18, and 24 months later.

 

They found that the groups did not differ at baseline but that the Mindfulness-based Alzheimer’s Stimulation group had significantly lower scores than the other 3 groups at the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months for depression, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, somatic symptoms, weight loss, delusions, apathy, irritability, and night time behaviors and higher levels of appetite and insight. These measures for the mindfulness group did not differ from baseline at any follow up while the other 3 groups significantly deteriorated over time relative to baseline.

 

These findings suggest that mindfulness training prevents deterioration in depression and psychopathology while other treatments or no treatment continue to deteriorate. Hence mindfulness training would appear be beneficial in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

“You only know yourself because of your memories.” – Andrea Gillies

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Quintana-Hernández DJ, Rojas-Hernández J, Santana-Del Pino A, Céspedes Suárez C, Pellejero Silva M, Miró-Barrachina MT, Ibáñez Fernández I, Estupiñán López JA, Borkel LF. Mindfulness Prevents Depression and Psychopathology in Elderly People with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;91(1):471-481. doi: 10.3233/JAD-220889. PMID: 36442199; PMCID: PMC9881020.

 

Abstract

Background:

This longitudinal study addressed whether mindfulness practice prevents psychological and behavioral symptoms, especially mood disorders, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

To assess the incidence of depression in the course of AD and to determine which non-pharmacological treatment (NPT) is most effective in preventing psychopathological symptoms.

Methods:

We conducted a longitudinal, non-inferiority and equivalence randomized clinical trial, repeated-measures design, with a control group and three experimental treatments: mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and relaxation. Each experimental group performed three weekly sessions for two years. The pharmacological treatment of all participants was donepezil (10 mg). Participants were patients with probable AD without diagnosed depression from the public neurology services of the Canary Health Service, Spain. Psychological evaluation was performed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-Q). The statistical analysis included only patients who attended at least 75% of the sessions. A nonparametric, repeated-measures analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis H test and between-group differences with Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.008). Effect size was calculated with partial eta-squared.

Results:

The results showed significant differences with large effect sizes (η2p>0.14) between mindfulness and the rest of the experimental groups as well as the control in the GDS, HDRS, and NPI-Q scales.

Conclusion:

Compared to the other experimental groups, only mindfulness prevented the onset of depression and other psychopathologies in early-stage AD. Based on its effectiveness in maintaining cognitive functions and preventing psychopathology, we recommend mindfulness as the first-choice NPT for mild to moderate AD.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9881020/