Scientific studies have consistently highlighted the positive effects of yoga on various health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and physical illnesses. However, limited research has explored its potential benefits for individuals diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia. In 2012, a study conducted by Babu Paikkatt, et. al., aimed to investigate the efficacy of yoga therapy in improving the subjective well-being and basic living skills of hospitalized schizophrenic patients.

The study enrolled thirty chronic schizophrenic patients receiving treatment at the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences in Ranchi. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=15) that received yoga therapy in addition to pharmacotherapy, and a control group (n=15) that received pharmacotherapy alone. To establish a baseline, the researchers conducted assessments using the Post Graduate Institute General Well-Being Measure (PGI GWBM), the Checklist for Basic Living Skills, and the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS). The experimental group engaged in daily yoga therapy sessions, which included motivational and feedback components, lasting approximately 1½ hours. After one month, post-assessments were performed for both groups.

The results of the study revealed significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group after one month of intervention. The experimental group exhibited higher ratings in the PGI GWBM, basic living skills, and IDEAS assessments. These improvements were indicative of enhanced subjective well-being, improved daily basic living functioning, personal hygiene, self-care abilities, enhanced interpersonal activities, communication skills, and increased participation in routine activities among the participants who received yoga therapy.

This study provides evidence that yoga therapy, when incorporated alongside pharmacotherapy, can have a positive impact on the well-being and daily functioning of individuals with chronic schizophrenia. The findings suggest that yoga not only contributes to improved mental health but also enhances essential life skills, ultimately promoting a better quality of life for individuals grappling with this challenging mental health condition. Further research in this area could shed more light on the specific mechanisms through which yoga exerts its therapeutic effects in the context of schizophrenia treatment.

Reference: Paikkatt, B., Singh, A. R., Singh, P. K., & Jahan, M. (2012). Efficacy of yoga therapy on subjective well-being and basic living skills of patients having chronic schizophrenia. Industrial psychiatry journal, 21(2), 109.