In popular culture, there is a growing trend to recommend yoga as a treatment for depression, but there has traditionally been little research on the subject. In 2010, however, two notable studies took place. The "Journal of Psychiatric Practice" looked at the use of hatha yoga for depression, while "Psychiatry" journal published a study that looked at yoga for children and adolescents.
Recognition
As of March 2011, the Yoga Alliance catalogs hundreds of registered yoga teachers in the United States alone, and many of these offer yoga therapy as a treatment for depression. The National Institutes of Health recognizes yoga as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Speak to your health care professional about yoga interventions for treatment of depression in young adults.
Mindfulness
As one of yoga's central features, mindfulness as a tool was studied in "The Journal of Psychiatric Practice" article. A mindfulness-based stress reduction program was found to reduce depression symptoms in some people, and related cognitive therapy was effective in preventing depressive relapse in depressed patients. While encouraging, authors observed it may not be useful in acute depression, where subjects have trouble being attentive. There is no solid evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness on young people, but authors of the "Psychiatry" article speculate that yoga can help regain young people's sense of mastery, which may help overcome feelings of inadequacy.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is thought to be effective in the treatment of depression, and evidence cited in the "Journal of Psychiatric Practice" suggested that nonaerobic exercise, like yoga, may be just as effective as aerobic exercise. Exercise is known to reduce stress, which may be useful in addressing depression in young adults.
Conclusion
Despite an obvious need for further research on the topic, preliminary evidence is encouraging. As authors of the "Psychiatry" journal point out, many children and young people are willing to try to continue with yoga practice. But its effectiveness may depend on the degree of depression experienced. Yoga should be seen as a complementary therapy, rather than a replacement for conventional medicine, so speak to your doctor about the potential benefits of yoga for yourself or your child before you engage.
