Meditation is 'effective medication for depression'
01 December 2008
 Meditation techniques are just as effective at combating depression as prescription medication, according to new research. A study led by Professor Willem Kuyken, from the University of Exeter's Mood Disorders Centre claims meditation could be used to shorten NHS waiting lists for mental health therapies.Commenting on the use of anti-depressants to treat a range of mental health problems, Professor Kuyken said: "While they're very effective in helping reduce the symptoms of depression, when people come off them they are particularly vulnerable to relapse."He added that research carried out by the institution shows mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may provide a viable alternative to medication.After an eight-week trial, 47 per cent of those with long-term depression said they suffered a relapse, compared with 60 per cent taking anti-depressants.In related news, research carried out by Temple University in Philadelphia showed that more than a quarter of people aged 100 or over suffered from depression, reports the BBC. © 2008 Adfero Ltd. All rights reserved. Any views and opinions expressed in news articles are not those of Craegmoor Limited and its associated companies. News supplied by Adfero DirectNews.
Bookmark with:
What are these?
 Delicious
 Digg
 reddit
 Facebook
 StumbleUpon
Related stories
06/01/2009 New mental health service for the young
A new mental health service for young people has been launched in Calderdale, it has been reported.
06/01/2009 Schools urged to monitor mental health
Scottish schools have been called on to monitor childrens' mental health after research showed one in seven teenagers in the country has self-harmed.
05/01/2009 Health workers 'supported by former patients website'
A mental health patient nursed back to health by the Lancashire Care NHS Trust (LCT) has relaunched their website for people suffering from psychosis, it has been reported.
05/01/2009 Prince's Trust warns about mental health in young
The Prince's Trust has issued a warning about the mental health problems faced by Britain's youth.
05/01/2009 Courses for mental health carers
Mental health carers in Chelmsford are being given the opportunity to attend a free ten-week training course, it has been reported.
|