Role of Yogic Exercises in Bipolar Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT

The science of Yoga, is an old system of traditional relaxation involving the exercise and other prevailing healing practices originated in India. Philosophically, it is based on the union of mind, body, and spirit of the individual. Aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of yogic exercises among psychiatric inpatients admitted in the ward for the severe mental illness. Method: Fifteen patients in the age range of 20-40 years, diagnosed as having Schizophrenia or Bipolar Affective Disorder (ICD-10 DCR criteria) were included and were given yogic exercises therapy for two months besides treatment and compared to a control of fifteen psychiatric inpatients with the same age, diagnosis and receiving same treatment. They were assessed using Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Social-Adaptive Function Evaluation (SAFE) scale. Results revealed significant improvement in the study group on various domains of SAFE compared to the control group after one month with continuation of therapy. It is apparent that Yogic exercises therapy may be effective in the improvement of adaptive functioning which in turn affected the psychological wellbeing of the patients. The study has clinical implications for effective use of this therapy in preventing relapse among the psychotic patients.