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Although anxiety is not always the most obvious symptom in complex cases, it must be recognized and addressed. The following four cases represent unrecognized atypical presentations of anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder... more
Although anxiety is not always the most obvious symptom in complex cases, it must be recognized and addressed. The following four cases represent unrecognized atypical presentations of anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who did not respond well to conventional psychotropic medications. In these cases, affective, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms significantly improved with integrative treatments combining medicinal herbs, nootropics, other complementary approaches, and in some cases prescription psychotropic medications. When stress-related physical symptoms, such as dystonias, become the focus of treatment, the anxiety underlying the physical condition may escape notice. Patients who do not respond well to conventional medications or who have drug sensitivities are often mislabeled as “treatment-resistant.” The urgent need for behavioral control of patients with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and communication impairments often leads to the overuse of sedating major tranquilizers that miss the real target symptoms and exacerbate underlying cognitive and coordination dysfunctions. The treatment of anxiety, depression, and mild cognitive impairment in elderly patients with mild herbal formulas can significantly improve quality of life. Patients who do not respond adequately to prescription psychotropics and those who are sensitive to medication side effects are a large subgroup of people who benefit most from integrative and complementary approaches.
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This article highlights evidence-based treatment with herbs and nutrients with good tolerability and potential benefit when integrated into psychiatric practices.
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Slow voluntarily regulated breathing practices are noninvasive, easy to learn, and generally safe for treating patients with symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress- and trauma-related disorders, ADHD, schizophrenia, and... more
Slow voluntarily regulated breathing practices are noninvasive, easy to learn, and generally safe for treating patients with symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress- and trauma-related disorders, ADHD, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
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With its unrivaled scope, easy readability, and outstanding clinical relevance, Complementary and Integrative Treatments in Psychiatric Practice is an indispensable resource for psychiatric and other health care professionals. It is also... more
With its unrivaled scope, easy readability, and outstanding clinical relevance, Complementary and Integrative Treatments in Psychiatric Practice is an indispensable resource for psychiatric and other health care professionals. It is also well suited for individuals with mental disorders and their family members who are seeking updated, practical information on complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM). An international group of experts, researchers, and clinicians examines an expansive range of treatments that have been chosen on the basis of their therapeutic potential, strength of evidence, safety, clinical experience, geographic and cultural diversity, and public interest. This guide offers advice on how to best tailor treatments to individual patient needs, combine and integrate treatments for optimal patient outcomes, identify high-quality products, administer appropriate doses, and deal with concerns about liability, safety, and herb-drug interactions. Treatments discussed include: Nutrients and neutraceuticals Plant-based medicines Mind-body practices—breathing techniques, yoga, qigong, tai chi, and meditation Art therapy and equine therapy for children and adolescents Neurotherapy, neurostimulation, and other technologies Psychiatrists and other physicians, residents, fellows, medical students, psychologists, nurses, and other clinicians will benefit from guidelines for decision making, prioritizing, and combining CAIM treatments, as well as safely integrating CAIM with standard approaches. That the treatments considered in this clinician’s guide are applied to five of the major DSM-5 categories—depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, bipolar and related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders—ensures its applicability, timeliness and timelessness
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In this 5-day trauma-sensitive training, participants will learn how to use this practice for self-care and healing others. Didactic sessions will cover neurophysiology, current research, clinical issues, and teaching methods.... more
In this 5-day trauma-sensitive training, participants will learn how to use this practice for self-care and healing others. Didactic sessions will cover neurophysiology, current research, clinical issues, and teaching methods. Experiential training will include movement, breathing, meditation, and practice-teaching under supervision. The unique techniques taught in this workshop serve to calm the body's central fear-processing networks and reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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This chapter describes the physiological mechanisms that underpin the varying effects of different types of breath practices inherent in the yoga tradition and ultimately the role that breathing techniques play in person and public... more
This chapter describes the physiological mechanisms that underpin the varying effects of different types of breath practices inherent in the yoga tradition and ultimately the role that breathing techniques play in person and public health. Concurrently, the script elucidates how different practices alter psycho-physiological states clarifying why and how they may be employed with specific health populations, how they may enhance and or maintain well-being, and clear guidance regarding precautions and contraindications.
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Background: Evidence suggests that yoga may be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies evaluating the “dosing” of yoga treatment and efficacy for MDD are needed. The goal of this study was to assess the effects... more
Background: Evidence suggests that yoga may be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies evaluating the “dosing” of yoga treatment and efficacy for MDD are needed. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of an intervention combining Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing in participants with MDD and determine the optimal intervention dose. Methods: Thirty-two participants (18 to 65 y of age) diagnosed with MDD were randomized to a high-dose group (HDG) or a low-dose group (LDG) of yoga and coherent breathing for 12 weeks. The HDG (n=15) involved three 90-minute yoga classes and four 30-minute homework sessions per week. The LDG (n=15) involved two 90-minute yoga classes and three 30-minute homework sessions per week. Participants were evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 with the following instruments: Positivity Self-Test, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory. Data were analyzed using intent-to-treat methods. Results: Significant improvements in all outcome measures were found for both groups, with acute and cumulative benefits. Although the HDG showed greater improvements on all scales, between-group differences did not reach significance, possibly due to lack of power because of the small sample size. Cumulative yoga minutes were correlated with improvement in outcome measures. Limitation: This dosing study did not include a non-yoga control. Conclusions: Improvement in psychological symptoms correlated with cumulative yoga practice. Both interventions reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and increased feelings of positivity. The time commitment for yoga practice needs to be weighed against benefits when designing yoga interventions.
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Menopausal women are challenged by the adverse effects of estrogen loss on energy, mood, cognitive function, and memory. These stresses are compounded by increased risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Known to have... more
Menopausal women are challenged by the adverse effects of estrogen loss on energy, mood, cognitive function, and memory. These stresses are compounded by increased risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Known to have neuroprotective, cardio-protective, anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic effects, Rhodiola rosea extracts have also been shown to improve energy, mood, cognitive function and memory. We propose that R. rosea be investigated for use as a potential selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in the prevention and treatment of menopause-related fatigue, stress, depression, cognitive decline, memory impairment, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. This paper briefly reviews the relationship between estrogen decline and menopause-related health risks, the molecular mechanisms underlying estrogenic effects on health, and the evidence indicating beneficial effects of R. rosea extracts on these mechanisms and health risks. Mechanisms include no...
Research Interests: Depression, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Plant Biology, Menopause, Fatigue, and 15 moreMedicine, Estrogen Receptor, Phytomedicine, Osteoporosis, Humans, Female, Estrogen, Aged, Middle Aged, Plant extracts, Adult, Cardiovascular Diseases, Memory Disorders, Cognition disorders, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
In recent years, mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation have become increasingly popular in western society. The current chapter discusses how such practices may contribute to psychological and physiological aspects of wellbeing.... more
In recent years, mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation have become increasingly popular in western society. The current chapter discusses how such practices may contribute to psychological and physiological aspects of wellbeing. Supporting research evidence and neurophysiological theories that may explain these effects will be reviewed. Practical applications of mind-body therapies with a focus on breathing practices for stress reduction and recovery from mass disasters will be presented.
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ABSTRACT Public and clinician interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown in recent decades, and has been driven in part by concerns about medication side effects, nonresponse to standard medications, and the high... more
ABSTRACT Public and clinician interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown in recent decades, and has been driven in part by concerns about medication side effects, nonresponse to standard medications, and the high cost of prescription medications. CAM (natural products and therapies) for many people already plays a central role in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. As an area of special interest within psychiatry, the concept of integrative psychiatry (IP) supports the development of a treatment approach that more fully incorporates evidence-based use of medicinal herbs, nutrients, and mind–body practices with pharmacotherapy and psychological therapies. The Sequential Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial highlighted the benefits and limitations of combining or switching antidepressants (Rush et al., 2006). Treatment resistance is an indication of our incomplete understanding of the neurobiological basis of mood disorders. For example, paradigms for treating affective disorders are expanding beyond monoamine neurotransmission models to incorporate other regulatory systems (Rizvi & Kennedy, 2011). The increase in information about the effects of immune function, autonomic nervous system balance, neuroendocrine systems, antioxidants (cellular defense and repair), mitochondrial energy transport, the arachidonic acid cascade, second messengers, and gene activation opens the way for new therapeutic approaches, including the use of CAM treatments that may modulate a broad array of the neuropathological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders. www.tasmanpsychiatry.com
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Neurophysiological studies may explain how breathing techniques normalize stress response, emotion regulation, and autonomic and neuroendocrine system function. Breath practices have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety,... more
Neurophysiological studies may explain how breathing techniques normalize stress response, emotion regulation, and autonomic and neuroendocrine system function. Breath practices have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, mass disasters, depression, and attention deficit disorder. Technology-assisted breathing interventions facilitate therapeutic breathing by using either static cues such as a breath pacer or real-time feedback based on physiological parameters such as heart rate variability. The empirical literature indicates that technology-assisted breathing can be beneficial in mental health treatment, though it may not be appropriate for all individuals. Initial in-person training and evaluation can improve results.
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The choice of nutrients for review is based on clinical evidence of efficacy in neuropsychiatric disorders and biochemical effects that are neuroprotective or reparative. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and metabolites have been shown to... more
The choice of nutrients for review is based on clinical evidence of efficacy in neuropsychiatric disorders and biochemical effects that are neuroprotective or reparative. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and metabolites have been shown to augment antidepressants, improve symptoms in anxiety disorders, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, ADHD, and schizophrenia, and to reduce medication side effects. Detection and correction of vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be essential for recovery. Generally low in adverse effects when taken in therapeutic doses, nutrients can be combined for greater benefits. Further studies are warranted to validate these promising treatments.
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Psychotropic medications have revolutionized the treatment of serious mental disorders, yet in a significant number of cases, they are partially effective or ineffective. Psychotropics are necessary for many patients but they can... more
Psychotropic medications have revolutionized the treatment of serious mental disorders, yet in a significant number of cases, they are partially effective or ineffective. Psychotropics are necessary for many patients but they can contribute to the burden of side effects, and the cost of psychotropics contributes to the cost of health care and disposal of these medications may cause environmental pollution. Phytomedicines, nutrients, and mind-body practices tend to be less costly and to have fewer side effects. Furthermore,much of theworld’s population has no access to prescription pharmaceuticals. Although psychotropics and psychotherapies will continue to be mainstays of psychiatric practice, specific combinations of herbs and nutrients can enhance the effectiveness of prescription drugs or reduce the necessary doses. Moreover, nutritional and phytomedicinal compounds can prevent or counteract various acute and long-term side effects of medications such as fatigue, Parkinsonian symptoms, akathisia, and elevated hepatic enzymes. Integrative psychiatrists are finding that mind-body practices can facilitate progress in psychotherapy. Identifying safe and effective nutrients, phytomedicines, and mind-body practices is therefore vital to better mental health care. Integrative treatments provide the clinician with additional therapeutic tools and empower the patient to participate actively in recovery. We have invited authors to focus on treatments supported by an evidence base of significant benefits, associated with few and modest side effects. From the wide array of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicines (CAIM), we chose to include diverse points of view from experts who are well known, as well as from those whose work is not widely read by mainstream psychiatrists but who are highly regarded in their fields. The authors have been tasked with discussing the evidence base, neurophysiology, risks, benefits, and clinical applications for each treatment. Due to space limitations, commonly accepted and widely published treatments such as hypnosis
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Research Interests: Depression, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Medicine, Anxiety, Autonomic Nervous System, and 15 morePost traumatic stress disorder, Heart rate variability, Humans, Female, Hyperventilation, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Health Service, Adult, Clinical Study, ANXIETY, Health Care Provider, Low Risk, Alertness, Breathing, Breathing exercises, and Hyperventilation syndrome
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BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers endured prolonged stress affecting their psychological well-being. Objectives: (1) Evaluate the effects of the Breath-Body-Mind Introductory Course (BBMIC) on COVID-related stress... more
BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers endured prolonged stress affecting their psychological well-being. Objectives: (1) Evaluate the effects of the Breath-Body-Mind Introductory Course (BBMIC) on COVID-related stress among employees of the Regional Integrated Support for Education, Northern Ireland, (2) Reduce the risk of adverse effects from COVID-related stress, and (3) Evaluate the effects of BBMIC on indicators of psychophysiological states and the consistency with hypothesized mechanisms of action.MethodsIn this single group study, a convenience sample of 39 female healthcare workers completed informed consent and baseline measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Stress Overload Scale-Short (SOS-S), and Exercise-Induced Feelings Inventory (EFI). Following the online BBMIC 4 h/day for 3 days and the 6 week solo (20 min/day) and group practice (45 min weekly), repeat testing plus the Indicators of Psychophysiological State (IPSS) and Program Evaluation were o...
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Objective: The Vagal-Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) theory proposes that some yoga postures and breathing practices exert their effects through stimulation of vagal nerves (parasympathetic system) with associated brain GABA increases. To... more
Objective: The Vagal-Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) theory proposes that some yoga postures and breathing practices exert their effects through stimulation of vagal nerves (parasympathetic system) with associated brain GABA increases. To evaluate this theory, we compared results from a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) of yoga in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with those of a similar RCT in healthy control participants (HC). Methods: In an RCT, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and mood measures were acquired in subjects with MDD (n=15) prior to and following a 12-week yoga intervention. The same measures were obtained in the HC (n=17) group. In both studies, thalamic GABA/Creatine was obtained using MEGAPRESS at 4 Telsa at baseline (Scan-1), post-intervention (Scan-2), and immediately following a yoga session (Scan-3). Clinical scales were completed prior to each scan. Results: The MDD-group had significantly lower GABA compared to the HC at baseline ...
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which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Mind-body practices originated in ancient cultures to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Interest... more
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Mind-body practices originated in ancient cultures to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Interest in their use in treatment stems from increasing awareness of their therapeutic potential and from the need for approaches that are cost-effective and have lower risks for adverse effects compared to pharmacological and other conventional interventions [1–3]. Rigorous research is needed to identify effective mind-body techniques and their mechanisms of action, if they are to be integrated into mainstream medicine [4]. The quality of evidence for mind-body practices varies widely. Scales for rating the quality of research are based on pharmacological studies. Very often the research design applicable to conventional medicine does not apply to mind-
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SUMMARYComplementary and integrative medicine provides safe, low-cost, effective treatments for conditions ranging from everyday stress to post-traumatic stress disorder. The evidence for herbs, nutrients and mind–body practices is... more
SUMMARYComplementary and integrative medicine provides safe, low-cost, effective treatments for conditions ranging from everyday stress to post-traumatic stress disorder. The evidence for herbs, nutrients and mind–body practices is growing, despite disproportionately small amounts of financial support compared with funding for expensive pharmaceuticals. The unsustainable cost of conventional treatments, the moral imperative to care for millions of uninsured and the impact of COVID-19 compel us to fully explore known and potential benefits of treatments being used by complementary and integrative practitioners.
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Treatment for the psychological consequences of mass disasters is essential to the recovery of individuals and communities. Little is known about how to provide effective mental health interventions when there are thousands of victims and... more
Treatment for the psychological consequences of mass disasters is essential to the recovery of individuals and communities. Little is known about how to provide effective mental health interventions when there are thousands of victims and little, if any, access to care. Post-disaster research and program evaluations suggest that mind-body practices can provide significant relief of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and physical ailments. Mind-body programs are inexpensive, adaptable to different cultures and conditions, and can be taught rapidly to large numbers of people, including community leaders, to create a sustainable resource for local mental health needs. The challenges of doing research in disaster areas are illustrated using examples from field studies. Potential risks of administering programs to vulnerable populations are discussed, with program design recommendations. The development of safe, effective, trauma-sensitive, culturally appropriate, sustainable pro...
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Objective: To determine if a 12-week yoga intervention (YI) was associated with increased gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and decreased depressive symptoms in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Subjects were... more
Objective: To determine if a 12-week yoga intervention (YI) was associated with increased gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and decreased depressive symptoms in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Subjects were randomized to a high-dose group (HDG) of three YIs a week and a low-dose group (LDG) of two YIs a week. Thalamic GABA levels were obtained using magnetic resonance spectroscopy at Scan-1 before randomization. After the assigned 12-week intervention, Scan-2 was obtained, immediately followed by a YI and Scan-3. Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores were obtained before Scan-1 and Scan-3. Settings/Location: Screenings and interventions occurred at the Boston University Medical Center. Imaging occurred at McLean Hospital. Subjects: Subjects met criteria for MDD. Intervention: Ninety minutes of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute plus homework. Outcome measures: GABA levels and the BDI-II. Results: BDI-II scores improved significantly in both groups. GABA levels from Scan-1 to Scan-3 and from Scan-2 to Scan-3 were significantly increased in the LDG (n = 15) and showed a trend in the total cohort. Post hoc, participants were divided into two groups based on having an increase in GABA levels at Scan-2. Increases in Scan-2 GABA levels were observed in participants whose mean time between their last YI and Scan-2 was 3.93 ± 2.92 standard deviation (SD) days, but not in those whose mean time between their last YI and Scan-2 was 7.83 ± 6.88 SD. Conclusions: This study tentatively supports the hypothesis that one of the mechanisms through which yoga improves mood is by increasing the activity of the GABA system. The observed increase in GABA levels following a YI that was no longer observed 8 days after a YI suggests that the associated increase in GABA after a YI is time limited such that at least one YI a week may be necessary to maintain the elevated GABA levels.
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Yoga interventions offer promise for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), yet their safety and potential impact on suicidal ideation (SI) have not been well documented. This study evaluated the safety of a randomized... more
Yoga interventions offer promise for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), yet their safety and potential impact on suicidal ideation (SI) have not been well documented. This study evaluated the safety of a randomized controlled dose-finding trial of Iyengar yoga plus coherent breathing for individuals with MDD, as well as the potential effects of the intervention on SI without intent. Participants with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥14 and a diagnosis of MDD (using DSM-IV criteria) were randomized to either a low dose group (LDG) or high dose group (HDG) and received a 12-week manualized intervention. The LDG included two 90-min yoga classes plus three 30-min homework sessions weekly. The HDG offered three 90-min classes plus four 30-min homework sessions weekly. Thirty-two individuals with MDD were randomized, of which 30 completed the protocol. At screening, SI without intent was endorsed on the BDI-II by 9 participants; after completing the interventio...
Research Interests: Psychology, Depression, Patient Safety, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Medicine, and 15 moreHumans, Major Depressive Disorder, Female, Male, Psychological Intervention, Depressive Disorder, Middle Aged, Adult, Major, Randomized Controlled Trial, Medicine and Health Sciences, Psychiatry and Psychology, Iyengar, Adverse effect, and Breathing exercises
A systematic review on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions and comorbid medical conditions. Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases... more
A systematic review on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions and comorbid medical conditions. Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases between July 15, 2015, and September 28, 2016, by combining search terms for SAMe (s-adenosyl methionine or s-adenosyl-l-methionine) with terms for relevant disease states (major depressive disorder, MDD, depression, perinatal depression, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychotic, 22q11.2, substance abuse, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, or cirrhosis). Additional studies were identified from prior literature. Ongoing clinical trials were identified through clinical trial registries. Of the 174 records retrieved, 21 were excluded, as they were not original investigations. An additional 21 records were excluded for falling outside the scope of this review. Of the 132 studie...
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The aims of this study were to assess the effects of an intervention of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute on depressive symptoms and to determine optimal intervention yoga dosing for future studies in... more
The aims of this study were to assess the effects of an intervention of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute on depressive symptoms and to determine optimal intervention yoga dosing for future studies in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Subjects were randomized to the high-dose group (HDG) or low-dose group (LDG) for a 12-week intervention of three or two intervention classes per week, respectively. Eligible subjects were 18-64 years old with MDD, had baseline Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥14, and were either on no antidepressant medications or on a stable dose of antidepressants for ≥3 months. The intervention included 90-min classes plus homework. Outcome measures were BDI-II scores and intervention compliance. Fifteen HDG (Mage = 38.4 ± 15.1 years) and 15 LDG (Mage = 34.7 ± 10.4 years) subjects completed the intervention. BDI-II scores at screening and compliance did not differ between groups (p = 0.26). BDI-II scores dec...
Research Interests: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Yoga, Medicine, Humans, Major Depressive Disorder, and 15 moreFemale, Male, Young Adult, Depressive Disorder, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Health Service, Middle Aged, Adult, Major, Randomized Controlled Trial, Guidance and Counseling Intervention Programs, Medicine and Health Sciences, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Iyengar, Dosing, and Breathing exercises
Research Interests: Education, Depression, Biomarkers, Exercise therapy, Medicine, and 15 moreAnxiety, Meditation, Humans, Internal Medicine, Female, Male, Beck Depression Inventory, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Clinical Sciences, Aged, C reactive protein, Adult, ANXIETY, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, and Breathing exercises
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Research Interests: Neuroscience, Psychology, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Chronic Pain, and 15 moreEpilepsy, Medicine, Autonomic Nervous System, Temporal Lobe, Allostatic Load, Humans, Heart rate, Sympathetic Nervous System, Psychological Models, Allostasis, Medical, Gabaergic, hydrocortisone, Stress Physiological, and Medical and Health Sciences
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Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, Nagaraja D, Gangadhar BN, Damodaran B, Adelson B, Braslow LH, Marcus S, Brown RP. Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for PTSD and depression in... more
Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, Nagaraja D, Gangadhar BN, Damodaran B, Adelson B, Braslow LH, Marcus S, Brown RP. Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for PTSD and depression in survivors of the 2004 South‐East Asia tsunami.Objective: This study evaluated the effect of a yoga breath program alone and followed by a trauma reduction exposure technique on post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 Asian tsunami.Method: In this non‐randomized study, 183 tsunami survivors who scored 50 or above on the Post‐traumatic Checklist‐17 (PCL‐17) were assigned by camps to one of three groups: yoga breath intervention, yoga breath intervention followed by 3–8 h of trauma reduction exposure technique or 6‐week wait list. Measures for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PCL‐17) and depression (BDI‐21) were performed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Data were analyzed using anova and mixed effects regression.Re...
Research Interests: Traumatic Stress, Depression, Adolescent, Medicine, Distress, and 15 morePost traumatic stress disorder, Disasters, Humans, Survivors, South east Asia, Female, Male, Psychological Intervention, Exposure Therapy, Middle Aged, Adult, Implosive therapy, Combined Modality Therapy, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
New models for mental healthcare are needed for the global epidemic of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress caused by wars and other mass disasters. Excess stress and trauma are major drivers of mental health disorders.... more
New models for mental healthcare are needed for the global epidemic of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress caused by wars and other mass disasters. Excess stress and trauma are major drivers of mental health disorders. Mind-body interventions that balance and strengthen autonomic functions can prevent and improve these conditions. Evidence-based, trauma-informed, breath-centered mind-body treatments can effectively relieve psychological, cognitive, and somatic symptoms in survivors and their caregivers during and after disasters. Voluntary control of breathing opens a portal to interoceptive communication pathways, whereby messages about internal body states quickly reach and strongly influence how the mind perceives, evaluates, integrates, regulates emotions, carries out plans, and relates to others. Teaching professional and lay providers how to create an engaging, safe, supportive environment online and in-person enables a small group of providers to deliver accessible, culturally syntonic, non-stigmatizing, sustainable mental healthcare to large populations affected by disasters.