Mind-Body Medicine in the Treatment of Depression: A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Safety and Mechanisms

This narrative review examines the efficacy, mechanisms and safety of mind-body medicine (MBM) in the treatment of depression. We reviewed the potential effects of various MBM interventions such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindfulness-based interventions and nutrition on clinical and subthreshold depressive symptoms.

Current studies indicate a growing interest in the use of MBM for psychiatric disorders, including depression. MBM interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms with fewer adverse effects and costs compared to pharmacological treatments.

MBM has significant potential to improve mental health outcomes for depression. These interventions encourage self-care and stress management through behavioural, exercise, relaxation and nutritional approaches. While existing data are promising, further, more rigorous studies are required to confirm long-term effectiveness and to determine the role of MBM in comprehensive depression treatment strategies.