A Breathing-Based Meditation Intervention for Patients With Treatment Resistant Late Life Depression
Late Life Depression
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Late Life Depression focused on measuring Treatment-resistant Late Life Depression, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, Glutathione
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- 60-80 years of age
- major depressive disorder, as per the results of an interview by a trained rater using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 and subsequently confirmed by the psychiatrist
- Mild to moderate depression as confirmed by a score on the HAM-D 17 between 8 and 23
- Have failed at least two trials of antidepressants, given at adequate doses for adequate duration during the current episode
- Able to follow verbal instructions and sit without physical discomfort for 45 minutes
- Willing and able to attend at least 75% of all Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) sessions
- Willing to dedicate 25-30 minutes/day to SKY practice at home
- Low risk of suicide based on a clinical initial interview and during follow-up interviews at weeks 4, 8 and 12.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorder, psychosis, substance abuse, or dementia
- Currently participating in other similar studies or currently practicing any type of formal meditation, mindfulness or breathing techniques
- A major surgery within 6 weeks prior to commencement of or scheduled during, the study intervention
- A traumatic brain injury
- Any contraindications to MRI will also be excluded
- Healthy control participants must have no significant mental health issues, or contraindications to MRI.
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
No Intervention
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga
Control
Thirty participants with treatment-resistant late life depression (TR-LLD) will attend 5 instructional days of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), followed by 3 weekly follow-ups, and 8 weeks of bimonthly follow-ups. Participants will also practice SKY for 25 minutes per day at home. These participants will attend 4 mental health assessments at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Thirteen of the recruited TR-LLD will attend an MRI at baseline and post-intervention.
The seven recruited age-matched controls will complete a screening appointment and an MRI only for comparison. Demographic information will also be collected from the control participants. These individuals will not undergo the study intervention.