2023-09-13 09:30:00
A new review paper suggests that mindfulness exercises may be beneficial for individuals suffering from psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. The paper, authored by psychologist Lyn Ellett from the University of Southampton, summarizes ten studies conducted between 2013 and 2023, all of which focused on the use of mindfulness in the treatment of psychotic patients.
Mindfulness exercises involve observing and perceiving one’s own thoughts and feelings without judgment or reaction. The studies included in the review paper varied in terms of intervention duration, ranging from 4 to 26 sessions. The exercises were typically taught in a group setting, although some were conducted individually. Mindfulness was often used in combination with components from cognitive-behavioral or schema therapy.
The review found that mindfulness therapy reduced the severity of psychotic symptoms in the majority of meta-analyses examined. It also helped alleviate negative symptoms, including a lack of joy and strong emotions, reduced drive, and thinking and motor skill impairments.
However, the paper suggests that certain adaptations should be made when using mindfulness therapy for psychosis. For instance, shorter exercise durations, typically around ten minutes, are recommended for individuals with psychotic disorders. Additionally, instructions should be provided more frequently to prevent long periods of silence, which could trigger ruminations about psychotic experiences. It is also important to view psychotic ideas and experiences as normal and not react to them, which can reduce their perceived threat and stress.
While the findings are promising, there are still questions to be answered. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of mindfulness exercises carried out at home for individuals with psychosis. It is also important to investigate the potential harm or counterproductivity of such interventions in the psychotic population.
Overall, this review paper suggests that mindfulness therapy has the potential to be a valuable tool in the treatment of psychotic disorders. By incorporating mindfulness exercises into treatment plans, individuals with schizophrenia and other related conditions may experience relief from symptoms and improved overall well-being. However, further research and adaptations to treatment protocols are necessary to fully understand and utilize the benefits of mindfulness for psychosis.]
#Psychoses #mindfulness #madness