Stress Management in Depressive Disorder: Resilience Training vs. Yoga: Biological, Epigenetic, and Brain Correlates

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY INNSBRUCK · Jan 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how two different approaches—Resilience and Stress Management Intervention Program (RASMUS) and yoga—can help people with major depressive disorder (MDD). The goal is to see which method is more effective in reducing stress, improving coping skills, and enhancing overall quality of life for individuals dealing with depression. Researchers will also look at biological markers related to stress and, for some participants, examine changes in brain structure and function through brain scans.

To participate, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of MDD for at least three months, and be currently receiving medication for their depression. They should also be able to read and write in German. However, those with other significant mental health issues, severe physical illnesses, or who have practiced yoga regularly in the past three months will not be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in either the RASMUS program or yoga sessions and may contribute to important research that could improve treatment options for depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Confirmed diagnosis of MDD,
• • Outpatient care for at least 3 months,
• • Ongoing psychopharmacological treatment,
• • Age between 18 and 65 years,
• • Knowledge of written and spoken German,
• • MADRS score ≤ 34 (moderate severity of symptoms),
• • Written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Other Axis I psychiatric disorder (organic mental disorders, psychoactive substance use \[excl. caffeine and nicotine abuse\], schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, neurotic disorders \[excl. anxiety disorders\], eating disorders, acute suicidality)
• • Severe somatic illnesses,
• • Pregnancy/breastfeeding,
• • Undertaking regular yoga practice (more than once per week) over the past 3 months,
• • Current use of psychotherapy.
• Further exclusion criteria for the neuroimaging sub-study:
• • History of neurological trauma or trauma to the central nervous system,
• • MRI contraindications (claustrophobia, metallic, electrical, magnetic or mechanically driven implants, tattoos on the head or neck or other clinically relevant contraindications)
• • Positive drug urine test.