Depression and meditation

An examination of the studies and findings behind the science of meditation

Depression

Effects of Sahaja Yoga Meditation on Depression

A study conducted at the University of Exeter, UK, showed that Sahaja Yoga Meditation has a beneficial therapeutic effect on the symptoms of patients with depression and anxiety.
Patients with depression & anxiety were divided into three groups: a group receiving Sahaja Yoga Meditation over 6 weeks, a group receiving the conventional behavioural treatment for depression, i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy and a control group that received no treatment.

Meditation vs CBT

The group treated with Sahaja Yoga Meditation compared to the non-treated group showed a statistically significant reduction in the symptoms of anxiety, depression and general mental health. At a trend level the Sahaja Yoga Meditation group also showed improvements compared to the group treated with CBT.