Rationale: Conventional treatment for depression includes medications and psychotherapy. These therapies can sometimes have limitations such as high costs and medication side effects. Because of these limitations, there has been a growing interest in exploring complementary and alternative medicine for treating depressive disorders. Psychiatric researchers in India have accumulated a preliminary body of clinical data suggesting that pranayama, a series of breathing exercises within the yoga tradition of India, may have significant anti-depressant and anti-stress effects. However, it is not known whether pranayama can be easily learned and practiced by older adults with depression who live in the United States.

Purpose: In this four-week study, we would like to explore whether pranayama can be learned and practiced regularly by older adults in the San Francisco Bay Area who suffer from depression. The results from this study will be very helpful in preparing for a larger, randomized controlled study of pranayama in major depression.

Study Design: Feasibility Study

Eligibility: People of both genders who are 55 years old and above and have a diagnosis of major depression.

People who are currently taking antidepressant medications will NOT have to stop taking their medications in order to participate in this study.