Studies Show Meditation Combats Depression
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - A new study published in the December, 2010 issue of the "Archives of General Psychology, conducted by Dr. Segal, at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Ontario, Canada finds that meditation alleviates symptoms of depression. Dr. Robert Puff, examines the study, and divulges how mediation helped him overcome depression and achieve success in a recent podcast.
In podcast 52, "Meditation Helps Depression Relapse, Dr. Puff chronicles Dr. Segal's 18 month study on the effects of mindfulness based cognitive therapy on depression.
In order to qualify for the study, patients had to meet the criteria for major depression disorder, and experience at least two episodes in their lifetime. Participants were divided into three groups: 28 remained on depression medications, 30 received a placebo, and 30 were weaned off medications while undergoing mindfulness based cognitive therapy, which included meditation.
In the 18 month follow-up period, the meditative group had the lowest relapse rate.
Dr. Puff warns against abruptly abandoning medications. He advises listeners to consult with their doctors before making any changes. "What if you could supplement you medication with mediation? said Dr. Puff. He admits that depression does not subside overnight, and long-term behavioral changes are necessary to free oneself from depression.
Dr. Puff recommends mediating twice daily, in the morning and at night to gain control of your life and depression. As always, he emphasizes living 100% in the present to eliminate unnecessary worries and fear which exacerbate depression.
On his website, http://www.meditationforhealthpodcast.com/, Dr. Puff provides soft-spoken mini guided meditations complete with soothing music.
source: www.prlog.com
In podcast 52, "Meditation Helps Depression Relapse, Dr. Puff chronicles Dr. Segal's 18 month study on the effects of mindfulness based cognitive therapy on depression.
In order to qualify for the study, patients had to meet the criteria for major depression disorder, and experience at least two episodes in their lifetime. Participants were divided into three groups: 28 remained on depression medications, 30 received a placebo, and 30 were weaned off medications while undergoing mindfulness based cognitive therapy, which included meditation.
In the 18 month follow-up period, the meditative group had the lowest relapse rate.
Dr. Puff warns against abruptly abandoning medications. He advises listeners to consult with their doctors before making any changes. "What if you could supplement you medication with mediation? said Dr. Puff. He admits that depression does not subside overnight, and long-term behavioral changes are necessary to free oneself from depression.
Dr. Puff recommends mediating twice daily, in the morning and at night to gain control of your life and depression. As always, he emphasizes living 100% in the present to eliminate unnecessary worries and fear which exacerbate depression.
On his website, http://www.meditationforhealthpodcast.com/, Dr. Puff provides soft-spoken mini guided meditations complete with soothing music.
source: www.prlog.com
