NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT METHODS FOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Zofia Maria Kiestrzyn, Mart Kubik, Aleksandra Kałużna, Jagienka Polaszek, Gabriela Górecka, Ewa Mojs
Issues of Rehabilitation Orthopaedics Neurophysiology and Sport Promotion – IRONS November 26, 2025 DOI: 10.19271/irons-000204-2024-46 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Depression economics Electroconvulsive therapy Compromise Medline Drug Psychotherapist Intensive care medicine Popularity |
| Key findings | Non-pharmacological treatments for depression, including exercise, dietary adjustments, psychedelics, mindfulness, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep brain stimulation, can complement or enhance antidepressant therapy. |
Abstract
Depressive disorder is a widespread psychological condition. It affects approximately 5% of adults globally. Untreated depression can compromise the quality of life in all its aspects, leading to deterioration of physical health or even suicide. Currently, the recommended treatment is pharmacological therapy, however, not all patients respond to traditional methods, and drug treatment is related to many undesirable side effects. While antidepressants remain the gold standard, non-pharmacological treatment methods are gaining popularity and recognition in Western medicine. While these methods are not always available as a substitute for pharmacotherapy, they can complement and enhance the therapeutic effects. In this paper, we will cover the newly researched, holistic methods of non-pharmacological treatment of depression, including physical exercise, dietary adjustments, psychedelics, or mindfulness, as well as the commonly accepted techniques, such as psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or deep brain stimulation. This review aims to present alternative treatments for depression and offer insight into the complex topic of improving quality of life and obtaining general well-being.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synaptic Dysfunction in Depression: Potential Therapeutic Targets | 2012 | Review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse | 2003 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review |