Depression is becoming an increasingly common mental health challenge among children and adolescents worldwide. Beyond affecting mood, depression can interfere with academic performance, relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. While medications and psychological counselling remain the standard treatments, researchers are also exploring complementary therapies that may support recovery and improve emotional wellbeing.
In a study conducted by researchers at the Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that yoga could be a promising complementary therapy for young people living with depression. The study, published in the International Journal of Yoga, focused on developing and validating a yoga intervention programme specifically designed for children and adolescents diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Why Researchers Explored Yoga
Mental health disorders account for a significant share of the global disease burden. Depression, in particular, has long been recognised as a leading cause of disability worldwide. In children and adolescents, depression is associated with poor school attendance, declining academic performance, social difficulties, substance abuse, and an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.
Given these challenges, researchers have increasingly explored complementary and alternative therapies such as mindfulness, meditation, physical exercise, acupuncture, and nutritional interventions. Yoga has attracted particular attention because it combines physical activity, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices.
Development of a Special Yoga Programme
The AIIMS research team, led by Prof. Dr. Rajesh Sagar and colleagues, developed a yoga module through a systematic three-step process.
First, researchers reviewed traditional yoga texts and published scientific studies to identify practices that could be beneficial for children and adolescents with depression. Based on this evidence, they created a structured yoga programme.
In the second stage, yoga experts reviewed and validated the module to ensure that it was safe, appropriate, and scientifically sound.
Finally, the researchers conducted a pilot study involving five children and adolescents diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Participants underwent the yoga intervention and were assessed using depression rating scales. Caregivers were also evaluated for factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Positive Feedback From Participants
The yoga programme was well accepted by participants. Researchers reported high attendance and strong compliance throughout the intervention period.
Many participants described the sessions as calming, enjoyable, and relaxing. Several reported feeling more emotionally balanced, peaceful, and motivated after practicing yoga. Some also noted that yoga helped them become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.
Importantly, no serious side effects were reported during the study.
Improvements in Depression Symptoms
The pilot study found a reduction in depression scores among participants after completing the yoga programme. Researchers also observed improvements in overall functioning and emotional wellbeing.
According to the study, yoga may help promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, and stress management. These benefits may support conventional treatments by helping young people better understand and manage their emotions.
More Research Still Needed
While the findings are encouraging, the researchers cautioned that the study involved only a small number of participants and did not include a control group. As a result, larger studies will be needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for depression.
The authors concluded that yoga appears to be a safe, acceptable, and potentially beneficial complementary therapy for children and adolescents with depression. However, they emphasised that yoga should be viewed as a supportive intervention rather than a replacement for professional mental health care.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that yoga may play a valuable role in improving mental wellbeing and supporting recovery in young people experiencing depression.
