Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a challenging mental health condition that can profoundly impact the lives of those affected. Traditional treatments like talk therapy and medication are often effective but not universally accessible or desirable. Enter yoga, an increasingly popular complementary intervention gaining attention for its potential to alleviate PTSD symptoms and related conditions like depression. But how effective is yoga, and is it safe? Let’s delve into the findings of a recent systematic review and meta-analysis(1) to explore these questions.
Yoga: A Complementary Intervention
Yoga has long been celebrated for its ability to calm the mind and body. Its focus on breath control, mindfulness, and physical postures makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking body focussed and non-verbal ways to manage PTSD symptoms. This review analysed data from 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult participants with PTSD.
Key Findings: Efficacy of Yoga for PTSD and Depression
The meta-analysis revealed that yoga interventions reduced PTSD symptoms when measured through self-reported assessments. The researchers reported that there was a moderate effect size of yoga compared to control interventions for PTSD. In addition, they reported that yoga showed promising results for alleviating both current and long-term symptoms of depression, suggesting it may have enduring benefits beyond the short term. However, they also found that it did not seem to have an effect on anxiety. The authors also outlined that type of yoga may also be important.
Clinician vs. Participant Ratings
Interestingly, the study found discrepancies between participant self-reports and clinician-reported assessments. While individuals reported significant improvements in PTSD symptoms after participating in yoga, when clinician evaluations were examined, they did not consistently align with these findings. The reason for this divergence was unclear, the researchers suggested differences in how symptom data is recorded when it is objective compared to subjective.
Safety of Yoga for PTSD
A critical concern for any intervention is its safety, particularly for individuals with PTSD, who may be vulnerable to stress triggers. The review examined six studies that reported on adverse events and found no evidence of serious adverse events across the included studies. This finding reinforces the idea that yoga is a safe practice for most individuals with PTSD when conducted under proper guidance.
The Road Ahead: More Research Needed
While these findings are encouraging, the review also highlighted gaps in the existing research. Many of the individual studies included in the meta-analysis were high in bias, and more rigorous RCTs are needed to firmly establish yoga’s efficacy. Future studies should explore the specific types of yoga that yield the best outcomes and include diverse populations to ensure generalizability. Some significant factors in the study were that 12 of the 20 studies were on veterans, so a specific population. Similarly, the average age across the studies was 51, which means we don’t know about the generalizability to younger populations.
Summary
Yoga offers appears to offer a safe and potentially effective way to reduce PTSD and depressive symptoms, making it a valuable addition to traditional treatment options. However, it is essential to approach yoga as a complementary, not standalone, intervention. For individuals living with PTSD, consulting with healthcare providers to integrate yoga into a broader treatment plan is crucial.
Whether you are a trauma survivor or someone supporting a loved one, exploring yoga may be an additional option to trauma focussed therapies. At the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne our team of experienced psychologists are here to help you overcome your challenges and improve your wellbeing. All our psychologists are trained in trauma focussed therapy and understand the impact of PTSD. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Book an appointment at the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne today by calling 03 9077 0122.
References
1. Nejadghaderi, S. A., Mousavi, S. E., Fazlollahi, A., Motlagh Asghari, K., & Garfin, D. R. (2024). Efficacy of yoga for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Research, 340, 116098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116098
