Efficacy of Yoga for Postpartum Depression

Efficacy of Yoga for Depressed Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this project is to compare the efficacy of an 8-week yoga intervention, relative to a wait-list control (WLC) condition, for improving psychological functioning and health-related quality of life in depressed postpartum women. It was hypothesized that the yoga intervention would be significantly more efficacious than the wait-list control condition in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving health-related quality of life, at the end of the 8-week yoga intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Score of 12 or greater on the 17-item Hamilton Depressing Rating Scale
• Participant must reside within a 30 mile radius of the yoga studios
• ≥ 6 weeks postpartum if delivery was either complicated and/or involved a cesarean section

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, alcohol or drug abuse/dependence (except nicotine), or anorexia in the past year
• Acute suicidal or homicidal risk
• Current mental health treatment, including psychotropic medications or psychotherapy with a certified therapist
• St. John's Wort or Fish oil
• Practiced yoga at a studio with a certified yoga instructor within the past month
• Significant medical disorder (e.g., seizure disorder) that is contraindicated for exercise in postpartum women