A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder in Undergraduate Students: Dose-Response Effect, Inflammatory Markers and BDNF

Introduction

This randomized controlled trial examined the dose-response effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for college students with major depressive disorder (MDD), investigating both clinical outcomes and biological markers including inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Study Design and Participants

This was a 2-month double-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with registration number ChiCTR2100044309. The study recruited 60 undergraduate students with first episode and untreated MDD meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria from universities in Kunming, Yunnan, China.

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Antidepressant Efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in Melancholia: A Randomized Comparison with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Imipramine

Introduction

Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a breathing-based technique that involves rhythmic hyperventilation at different rates. This randomized controlled trial compared the antidepressant efficacy of SKY with two standard treatments for melancholic depression: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and imipramine (IMN).

Background on Sudarshan Kriya Yoga

Sudarshan Kriya (Su=right, Darshan=vision, Kriya=procedure) was developed by spiritual guru Pundit Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore, India. Originally practiced as a stress-management strategy, it was adapted for clinical purposes by removing meditative and philosophical components, focusing solely on specified rhythms of breathing.

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l-Methylfolate as Adjunctive Therapy for SSRI-Resistant Major Depression: Results of Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Sequential Trials

Introduction

These two sequential randomized controlled trials investigated the efficacy of l-methylfolate augmentation in patients with major depressive disorder who had partial or no response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The studies used a novel sequential parallel comparison design to enhance statistical power and provide definitive evidence for this promising adjunctive treatment.

Background and Rationale

The Challenge of Treatment-Resistant Depression

More than half of all patients treated with antidepressant monotherapy fail to experience remission of their major depressive episode. This creates an urgent need for safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatments for antidepressant-resistant depression.

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