Baduanjin Training for Depression and Anxiety Patients

Effects of Baduanjin Breathing Training for Depression and Anxiety Patients: a Prospective Randomized Study

In recent years, the number of people with symptoms of depression or anxiety are on the rise. The aims of the prospective randomized study are: (1) to examine the effects of Baduanjin breathing training on reducing symptoms of depression or anxiety, and (2) to explore the correlates between improvements of depression or anxiety symptom and changes of lung functions.

Depression and anxiety, the two common mental health problems, are prevalent in the world. But there is a lack of sufficient no-drug intervention for relieving these two symptoms. The study focuses on mixed depressive and anxiety disorder, which symptoms are not sufficiently severe, numerous, or persistent to justify a diagnosis of depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder.

Baduanjin is a form of mind-body exercise with a profound philosophical foundation rooted in oriental culture. Previous studies have provided some evidences of beneficial effects on Baduanjin for depression and anxiety. Moreover, the effects and mechanisms of Baduanjin on patients with symptoms of depression and anxiety are yet to be further investigated.

This is a two-group prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded trial, planning to enroll 120 participants (60 for Baduanjin intervention group receiving health education plus a Baduanjin breathing training program, and 60 for health education control group only receiving health education).

The aims of the prospective randomized study are: (1) to examine the effects of Baduanjin breathing training on reducing symptoms of depression or anxiety, and (2) to explore the correlates between improvements of depression or anxiety symptom and changes of lung function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject with depression or anxiety symptom diagnosed by ICD-10.
• Depression 7≤HAMD-17≤29，anxiety 7≤HAMA-14≤29.
• Subject has a clear mind and the ability to read, to talk and to communicate.
• Subject agrees to participate in this study and sign to the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, organic mental disorder and cognitive disorder.
• Subject with alcohol abuse, substance dependence and suicidal behavior in past-year.
• Subject has severe somatic disease.
• Subject is pregnant or lactating women.