Melinda Chiu PA-S
Elmhurst Hospital Psychiatry Rotation
Effects of Meditative Movements on Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
By: Liye Zou, Albert Yeung, Chunxiao Li, Gao-Xia Wei, Kevin W. Chen, Patricia Anne Kinser, Jessie S. M. Chan, Zhanbing Ren
Published: 1 August 2018
PDF: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6111244/pdf/jcm-07-00195.pdf
During my time at Elmhurst Hospital Inpatient Psychiatry, there were many patients who presented with some degree of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I found this journal article interesting, because it described a different approach to MDD, compared to the traditional model of pharmacological therapy with psychotherapy. The article had described that psychotherapy may be time consuming. Additionally, medications can put patients at risk of adverse effects, which could discourage them from continuing the treatment. Also, if patients needed adjustments in dosages, or a complete change of medication, they may feel burdened with needing to meet with their psychiatrists. Studies were cited to show that patients with MDD being treated with antidepressants had “poor compliance, high dropout rates, and low remission rates”.
The article described the systematic review and meta analysis performed, that covered exercise (ie: strength training, swimming, stretching exercise) in MDD. The authors wanted to look into “meditative exercise,” which included meditative movements dealing with stretching of the musculoskeletal system, meditation, as well as breathing techniques. The top 3 exercises that fit into this category were Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong. The article’s purpose was to provide a systematic review that evaluated these 3 exercises in the treatment of MDD. Six databases were searched for relevant articles. 16 RCT fit the inclusion criteria. The findings suggested that the meditative movements can have a positive effect in MDD treatment. The exercises are relatively safe, easy to perform and get access to, as well less severe adverse effects than medications. They were also most effective when performed under the instruction of a trainer in combination with self-practicing, rather than either alone. The article suggests that the movements can be used as an alternative, or an add-on, to the traditional MDD treatments.
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