RECENT RESEARCHES EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL & Volume : 2, Year : 1 Oct.-Nov.-Dec. (2012), Pages : 43 - 49 ISSN 2278 – 5949 - 43 - ABSTRACT Impact of Pranakarshan Pranayam on Depression along with two depression related parameters - galvanic Skin resistance (GSR) and alpha-Electroencephalogram (EEG) was investigated in order to assess its efficacy as an inexpensive therapeutic technique. A sample of 78 participants (40 to 60 years of age) was drawn from the regular visiting devotees of Shantikunj Hardwar. These participants were divided into two groups (experimental and control) through randomization. Both groups were consists of 39 subjects in each. Experimental group was subjected to regular half an hour practice of paranayam for the period of three months. Depression test (Vishvakarma & Verma, 2010) was used to measure depression. Galvanic skin resistance (GSR) and alpha EEG (electroencephalogram) brain waves were also investigated for the validation of results. Data was analysed by using student t-test. Clinically significant results were found at 0.01 and 0.05 levels. All results imply that pranakarshan pranayam can be very effective as a therapeutic technique against Depression. : Depression, GSR & EEG, Pranakarshan Pranayam Keywords RE CH SEAR Everyone experiences some unhappiness, often as a result of a change, either in the form of a setback or a loss, or simply, as Freud said, "everyday misery." The painful feelings that accompany these events are usually appropriate, necessary, and transitory, and can even present an opportunity for personal growth. However, when depression persists and impairs daily life, it may be an indication of a depressive disorder. Severity, duration, and the presence of other symptoms are the factors that distinguish normal sadness from a depressive disorder. Depression has been alluded to by a variety of names in both medical and popular literature for thousands of years. Early English texts refer to "melancholia," which was for centuries the generic term for all emotional disorder. Depression is now referred to as a mood disorder, and the primary subtypes are major depression, dysthymia (chronic and usually milder depression), and atypical depression. Other important forms of depression are premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD or PMDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The mood disturbance characterized by a major depressive episode involves both cognitive and vegetative symptoms. These vegetative symptoms, referred to as such because they are unconscious and involuntary, include changes in appetite or weight, sleep, energy, and psychomotor activity. The cognitive changes include feelings of worthlessness or guilt; difficulty in thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts. Loss of interest or anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, is another cardinal feature. Although not necessary for a diagnosis of major depressive episode, a depressed mood is usually present. The mood in a major depressive episode is often described as depressed, sad, hopeless, empty, discouraged, or down. The depressed mood is not always acknowledged or recognized by the patient and may need to be inferred from the patient's demeanour or facial expression. The affect is revealed by the slowed and hypophonic speech produced (Greden et al. 1981). "Facial masking" with little or no facial muscle response to emotional stimuli is often seen (Schwartz et al. 1976). The posture is frequently bowed, steps are shortened, and there is a general lack of spontaneous activity (Kupfer et al. 1974). In children and adolescents, and irritable mood rather t han a sad mood may be present. Individuals with major depressive episodes may also demonstrate other emotional states including irratibility, anxiety, phobias, obsessive ruminations, and excessive worry, in particular about physical complaints. Now a day's nobody is abstained or refrained from the negative effects of depression. It is not only influencing Introduction IMPACT OF PRANAKARSHAN PRANAYAM ON DEPRESSION: A MATCHED CONTROL TRIAL * Department of Clinical Psychology, Dev Sanskriti Vishwa-Vidyalaya, Haridwar Hemadri Kr. Sao Associate Professor* Santosh Kr. Vishvakarma Associate Professor* Udham Singh Associate Professor* Aanchal Rani M.A. Clinical Psychology, DSVV, Haridwar