Meditation and Hypnosis for Chronic Depressed Mood

Inclusion Criteria:

   - Currently meeting DSM-IV criteria for a chronic depressive disorder, with the
   requirement that depressive symptoms had to have lasted for at least 2 years without a
   remission of 2 months or more.

   - Being 18 years of age or older.

   - Being sufficiently proficient in English to be able to participate in group therapy.

   - Being able to attend weekly meetings at Stanford.

Exclusion Criteria:

   - Concurrent bipolar disorder or severe depressive disorder (this latter was determined
   in supervision for the SCID interviews).

   - Presence or history of psychosis.

   - A current primary diagnosis of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or PTSD.

   - A current primary diagnosis of drug or alcohol dependency or abuse (within the last 3
   months).

   - Serious suicidal risk, as defined by:

   - Current suicidality, i.e., beyond simple ideation (e.g., making threats or attempts;
   gathering means; has a plan); OR

   - Serious prior attempts (bodily harm; gathered means; hospitalization).

   - Has a significant medical condition that could interfere with participation in
   meditation/yoga.

   - Current participation in psychotherapy or a meditation group.

   - Has started (or changed level or type of) prescribed antidepressant medication or St.
   John's Wort in the previous 3 months.