Relaxation techniques for depressive disorders in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify, evaluate, and synthesise existing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of relaxation techniques in the treatment of patients with depressive disorders.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines.

Results: Nine studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. It was found that relaxation techniques might effectively reduce depressive symptoms among adults with depression (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.42, 95% CI –0.72 to –0.11, p  =  0.008).

Conclusions: Relaxation techniques are cost-effective, safe, and low-risk techniques that can be easily taught and used. Consequently, they have several benefits if practised regularly daily for more than an 8-week period.

KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS

• The implication of this study for practice is that these relaxation techniques, cost-effective, safe, and low-risk techniques that can be easily taught and used.

• Consequently, practitioners will access benefits if practised regularly daily for more than an 8-week period.

• The relaxation technique is not complex, does not need any special device or place, does not need any change in lifestyle and is easily learned.

Keywords:

• Relaxation technique
• depressive disorders
• meta-analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).