Integration of hatha yoga and evidence-based psychological treatments for common mental disorders: An evidence map

J Clin Psychol. 2022 Sep;78(9):1671-1711. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23338. Epub 2022 Mar 21.

Abstract

Background: Interest in the use of yoga to enhance engagement with and augment the benefits of psychological treatment has grown. However, a systematic approach to reviewing existing research examining the use of yoga with psychological treatment is lacking.

Materials and methods: This mapping review identified and synthesised research trialling yoga as an integrated or adjunct therapy with evidence-based psychological interventions for the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Results: Overall, the review identified ten published and three unpublished studies, representing either single group or small quasi-experimental research designs.

Discussion: Limited but promising findings were shown for yoga with CBT for anxiety and depression, and the integration of yoga within intensive treatment models for PTSD.

Conclusions: Future research is encouraged to focus on controlled trials that enable examination of the component effect of yoga when applied with evidence-based psychological treatment and acceptability and feasibility data to further knowledge regarding a role for yoga in clinical practice.

Keywords: anxiety; complementary therapy; depression; eating disorders; evidence-based psychological treatment; mapping review; posttraumatic stress disorder; yoga.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy
  • Humans
  • Meditation*
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / psychology
  • Yoga* / psychology