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.