Depression: Evolution's Role: A Frazzled Mind, a Weakened Body

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Such positive results are encouraging, but they carry risks. Patients might blame themselves for not meditating hard enough, say, if they don't improve. And in the face of serious illness, stress reduction is likely to produce only minor effects compared with conventional medical treatment. But if meditation, prayer, exercise or relaxation techniques take even a little pressure off the immune system, that could add up over decades to a significantly healthier life. --By Michael D. Lemonick. Reported by David Bjerklie/New York