Study: Combining Tai Chi, Antidepressants Can Help Manage Depression

A new study out of UCLA found that combining tai chi and an antidepressant can help seniors successfully manage late-life depression.

During the study, researchers worked with a group of seniors who were taking the antidepressant Lexapro. Seniors who saw an improvement in their depression while taking the drug were then either assigned to 10 weeks of tai chi therapy for two hours per week or to 10 weeks of health education classes for two hours per week.

Ninety-four percent of the seniors who were in the tai chi group achieved scores that were consistent with improved depression symptoms and 65 percent experienced remission. In the health education group, only 77 percent had improved symptoms and 51 percent went into remission.

Approximately 50 percent of long-term care residents suffer from depression, which is linked to greater morbidity, disability, mortality and increased cost of care.

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