This study examined whether meditation or group psychotherapy including hypnosis plus education, compared to an educational control, would ameliorate long-term depressed mood.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently meeting DSM-IV criteria for a chronic depressive disorder, with the requirement that depressive symptoms had to have lasted for at least 2 years without a remission of 2 months or more.
• Being 18 years of age or older.
• Being sufficiently proficient in English to be able to participate in group therapy.
• Being able to attend weekly meetings at Stanford.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent bipolar disorder or severe depressive disorder (this latter was determined in supervision for the SCID interviews).
• Presence or history of psychosis.
• A current primary diagnosis of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or PTSD.
• A current primary diagnosis of drug or alcohol dependency or abuse (within the last 3 months).
• Serious suicidal risk, as defined by:
• Current suicidality, i.e., beyond simple ideation (e.g., making threats or attempts; gathering means; has a plan); OR
• Serious prior attempts (bodily harm; gathered means; hospitalization).
• Has a significant medical condition that could interfere with participation in meditation/yoga.
• Current participation in psychotherapy or a meditation group.
• Has started (or changed level or type of) prescribed antidepressant medication or St. John's Wort in the previous 3 months.