Effective Treatment Alternative Yoga for Depression for the Affected Individuals - Report Example

Health Care, Health Professional (Name) (University) Background and objectives Signs of depression and anxiety are more common in middle aged adults in the world today. These issues are becoming a major concern and hence the need to control them has come up as a crucial and critical issue. There exists various options of treatment for these symptoms such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. The main aim of this report is to analyze whether yoga is an alternative as a treatment option to these conditions and how effective it is. Yoga is used as a complementary and alternative or integrative medicine (Serpa et al, 2014). It involves the application of a combination of physical exercises on the body such as various body poses, meditating and breathing techniques (Lakkireddy et al 2013). These activities are done aiming to recover lost energy and assist in boosting the concentration levels of an individual (Krans, 2016). The report will therefore be providing evidence through research on some success stories found in different journals shedding light on case studies that made use of yoga all the while gauging on whether yoga would be an effective treatment alternative for depression for the affected individuals suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression. Search strategy and selection criteria In conducting the research, a lot of articles were available that acted as support material for this SLR. The aim was to find out support material that could aid in establishing whether yoga was an effective treatment option for depression. In using the Scopus and Cinahl databases, a search that was centered mainly on depressed groups of people was conducted. Analyzing various journals, cancer patients seemed to be one of the most affected groups that suffered from depression especially after intense chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In an effort not to stray from the topic at hand, the search was limited to only cases that used yoga as a treatment option. Yoga has various uses as it can also be a hobby or simply a means of keeping fit. The search was limited to the middle aged group of individuals who suffered from depression and sought out yoga as an alternative treatment method. About fifteen articles were found that could support the above statement. In downsizing the number of articles and filtering those that did not meet the criteria of the issue in question, they amounted to about thirteen. The main filtering technique used was based on the theme of how yoga can be used to reduce depression. Articles that did not center on yoga and depression as the main themes were not given priority. Articles that spoke about yoga but did not show their effectiveness in handling depression were rendered irrelevant for this report. Cases that could lead to depression and were cured by use of yoga were considered as the main issue was depression and not the source of depression. Whether the depression surfaced from traumatic experiences, prenatal depression or cancer and its side effects that was considered not a satisfactory exclusion criteria method. The chosen case studies were those for prenatal depression and PTSD disorder related depression. The studies on the effectiveness of yoga were carried out on a random sample of a given cohort and using the yoga techniques, the group would go through the exercise for a given period of time at the end of which the results would be analyzed to evaluate any notable changes for the symptoms of depression that were shown by the group. The most prevalent study design that was used for this report has to be the randomized control trial whereby people were selected at random and yoga was effected. This was to ensure the results would be transparent as the subjects had no idea of the effects yoga would have whether positive or negative. For instance, in two groups, yoga was administered and walking on the other. Greater improvements in mood and levels of anxiety were decreased (Streeter et al 2010). Cohort studies can also be seen as the yoga plan is carried out after establishing the risks associated with depression such as suicidal tendencies hence when carried out, they tend to reduce the risks and bring health outcomes. Quantitative methods were also used whereby statistics were used to prove the effectiveness of yoga on a given sample compared to another clinical treatment. Results and discussion In view of the traditional methods that have been in use to counter prenatal depression, their use has been under-utilized. Yoga has been notably effective when accompanied with massage therapy. It is especially more convenient since it is affordable and transportable. This is because it can be practiced via DVDs (Field et al, 2013). Anxiety and depression are some of the most common indicators of suicidal tendencies. In the period between September and November 2009, a total of 245 patients were reported to have had a range of problems such as depression, agitation and headaches. When yoga was used as a treatment method, patients were able to work their body by breathing systematically in such a way that they became more aware of and how to react to their internal stressors. PTSD is a condition that arises from traumatic events in an individual’s life. (Mitchell et al, 2012) say the condition is more common in females America. Yoga treatment for PTSD is done by encouraging focus on the deep feelings and thoughts with zero judgement. The use of these techniques is to help raise the tolerance level for unpleasant feelings and reduce the appearance memories that may be traumatic. The breathing exercises and physical poses that are yoga allows the affected individual to focus on their physical and emotional stimuli. In a scientific investigation carried out on the effects of yoga on PTSD, several sessions of yoga exercises were assigned to a given number of females. The subjects that were assigned to yoga were the only ones that exhibited symptoms of decreased intrusions that were significant. In another case conducted by (Descilo et al., 2010), 183 tsunami survivors displayed significant improvements in PTSD and depression after exposure to yoga treatment involving breath intervention. Yoga practice has the effect of increasing resilience and improve the mind-body awareness that helps the individuals to be able to adjust their behaviors. (Uebelacker et al., 2010) says that it also serves as an intrinsic award to the involved individuals as it influences and encourages them to engage in other activities that they consider pleasant. In a study that was conducted in India, an improvement in the participants of yoga was displayed in key areas such as increased appetite, improved feelings of peace and tranquility among others in a population of cancer patients that were undergoing radiation treatment .The success story for yoga in this particular area; India, can be attributed to the strong cultural and traditional roots that have been in existence. The increased awareness enables the participants to be more accepting of their emotions hence improving their ability to improve their emotion-regulating skills (Holzel et al., 2011). In a survey conducted to gauge the benefits of yoga, the report from the subjects was mainly positive as 86.5% agreed that their happiness levels increased after yoga (Ross et al, 2013). In a given situation, the subjects were provided with audiotapes to be practicing yoga at the comfort of their homes and with a familiar voice of their yoga instructor as this would help them to better relax. By practicing yoga at least one hour thrice a week, the yoga instructors would keep tabs on their subjects by paying hose visits or through telephone conversations. These sessions were aimed at improving the subject’s health status and enrich them with knowledge on the status of their health and how they could self-control it with minimal supervision. The effects of yoga and supportive therapy were put to test in a 24 week program for 98 out-patients diagnosed with breast cancer soon to undergo surgery. From the results that were acquired, both groups displayed decreased levels in depression. However, the results for yoga were higher; 42% compared to supportive therapy 39% (Rao et al 2015). The effects of yoga that led to reduced levels in depression of the subjects could be attributed to the reduced levels in sympathetic activities and improved balance in the nervous system responses. When no background information is provided for the purpose of transparency in conducting the research, it makes it more credible. The random sample ensures that the results are fresh as there are no expectations on how the outcome will be. Population The population used for this study was mainly centered in the middle aged group of the ages between 45 and 60. This is the age where mid-life crisis occur mostly and they are likely to suffer from family issues. In a study carried out by (Holzel et al., 2011) where he focused on breast cancer patients and one by (Descilo et al., 2010), for the tsunami survivors. This age group comes with a lot of weighty issues such that when there are no solutions to these problems, they could cause depression and anxiety. Many individuals who suffer from depression at this stage may also not be open to yoga as the information is not readily available and with increased levels of depression may lead to suicidal tendencies. Intervention- Yoga Yoga is a form of depression treatment because of the range of physical exercises encompassed and meditation techniques (Lakkireddy, 2013). The meditation which involves breathing exercises helps the affected individual to keep their nerves calm. The stretching and bending of the body ensures that the internal organs of the body undergo a routine of massages. When these activities are combined, they create an effect on the mind of the individual and the stress response levels can be managed making it a suitable treatment for depression. Outcomes From the above studies, it is evident that yoga is indeed an effective treatment for depression. It has especially become an alternative method of treatment due to its ease. One can comfortably do it at the comfort of their own home. In a group where yoga was conducted, their happiness levels were on the rise and were able to take charge of their emotions and control how they react to situations (Ross et al, 2013). Yoga also has the effects of improving the health lifestyles of the participants as it reduces the anxiety episodes which in turn lower the chances of hypertension. This is a cheap and effective way of controlling high blood pressure. Conclusion In light of the above discussion, it is evident that depression and anxiety affects a wide range of people ranging from pregnant women to PTSD victims. In the different case studies that have been examined, yoga was seen to exhibit significant changes in the individuals that took part in it as an optional treatment. Lack of proper research and information is the reason behind the unpopularity of yoga but with the dynamic world, things should be able to change sooner than later. From the examples provided, it is evident depression can be treated using yoga. Given the time frame for the different groups of people given above that incorporated yoga, the changes that were able to be detected are proof enough that not only does it work but it is also effective in reduction of the depression symptoms as they became more aware of their feelings and thoughts and were in a position to better control them. Limitations and implications for practice In the studies conducted, yoga is seen to be an effective treatment for depression only that its research is limited and information is not readily available for health care practitioners to prescribe it as an effective cure. The time frame to develop conclusive evidence of research was also limited given that whereas yoga was carried out at least thrice a week, other intervention methods took place once in every ten days. This would mean that yoga received more attention compared to supportive therapy hence the results on the depression levels reduction may have been inconclusive. With the developing changes and the success stories, it is expected in the near future that information will be readily available and conclusive. In future, these findings are expected to benefit the healthcare department as well as the patients given that the outcomes have been successful. Given that yoga is inexpensive and convenient it will be readily available to people in form of DVDs. Performing physical exercises and breathing in techniques are more user friendly and are likely to gain popularity in the tears to come. References Descilo, T., Vedamurtachar, A., Gerbarg, P. L., Nagaraja, D., Gangadhar, B. N., Damodaran, B., Brown, R. P. (2010). Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 121, 289–300. Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M. Delgado, J., Hernandez, A. and Medina, L. (2012). Yoga and Massage Therapy Reduce Prenatal Depression and Prematurity. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies 16, 204-209 Field, T., Diego, M., Delgado, J., Medina, J. (2013). Tai chi/yoga reduces prenatal depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 19 6-10 Holzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Vangel, M., Congleton, C., Yerramsetti, S. M., Gard, T., & Lazar, S. W. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research, 191, 36–43. Krans, B. (2016). Using Yoga to Relieve the Symptoms of Depression. Healthline. Lakkireddy, D., Atkins, D., Pillarisetti, J., Ryschon, S., Bommana, Drisko, J., Vanga, S. and Dawn, B. (2013). Effect of Yoga on Arrhythmia Burden, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Mitchell, K. S., Mazzeo, S. E., Schlesinger, M., Brewerton, T., & Smith, B. N. (2012). Comorbidity of partial and subthreshold PTSD among men and women with eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication study. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 45, 307–315. Rao RM, Raghuram N, Nagendra H R, Usharani M R, Gopinath K S, Diwakar RB, Patil S, Bilimagga RS, Rao N. (2015). Effects of an integrated yoga program on self­reported depression scores in breast cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Indian J Palliat Care;21:174­181 Ross, A., Friedmann, E., Bevans, M. and Thomas, S. (2013). National survey of yoga practitioners: Mental and physical health benefits. 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