Calming Colours: Exploring the Biological effect of Mandala Colouring Using Electroencephalography (EEG) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in Depression

It is ICMR STS project with aim to assess Effectiveness of Mandala coloring in patients with depression and to compare biological changes (EEG & HRV) after first and last session (at 4 week) of mandala colouring .  After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants in the study will be divided into two groups. At the beginning, they will be given the option to engage in mandala colouring as an adjunctive activity. Those who choose to participate in the mandala colouring will be placed in the intervention group, receiving antidepressant medications (preferably Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor- SSRI) along with the colouring activity. Those who decline will be assigned to the control group, receiving only antidepressant medications (preferably SSRI). Participants in the intervention group will be provided with pre-printed mandala sheets and a colouring set containing 12 colours. Participants will be instructed to complete two mandalas per week—one per day on two separate days—spending a minimum of 20 minutes on each session. Over a 4-week period, participants will complete a total of 8 mandalas. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 2 and 4 weeks. In Intervention group, EEG and HRV measurements will be recorded at baseline, immediately after the first colouring session, and at the conclusion of the fourth week (following the final mandala session). For control group, EEG and HRV will be recorded at baseline and at 4 weeks. Hamilton Depression rating scale (HDRS) will be used to assess severity of depression at Baseline, 2 week and 4 week. Changes in HDRS , EEG and HRV will be done at same points of time.