According to a review published in the Cohrane Library, exercise is a key role in improving the mental and physical health of persons with schizophrenia. Preceding a precise review of the current research pertaining to exercise in schizophrenia, researchers determined that current guidelines for exercise should also be followed by persons with schizophrenia along with the general population.
The present guidelines for exercise seem to be just as adequate to persons with schizophrenia in regards to possible physical and mental health benefits. Lead researcher Guy Faulkner of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health at the University of Toronto, Canada, states that thirty minutes of average physical exercise each day a week or most days of the week is a acceptable objective to focus on. Starting slowly and then increasing.
Four in every 1,000 persons are affected by schizophrenia, a mental disorder that is chronic, severe, complex. It usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood although it can occur anytime in life.
It is a common fact that exercise can improve ones mental health. Until this time there was only limited evidence on the impact in schizophrenia. The recent review concentrated on three new small studies that examined the effects of exercise programs which ran 12-16 weeks. The parts of the programs included yoga, jogging, walking and strength training.
Researchers concluded the exercise programs did in fact help the mental state for dimensions including anxiety and depression. Physical health results were noticed but they were not compelling overall. Researchers did purpose the reasoning of this could be to the length of the trails.
Two past reviews did find that exercise therapy was helpful but further research is still warranted. Mr. Faulkner stated that further research will help guide us as how to get individuals with schizophrenia interested in exercise programs first and then how the programs can be established and executed within mental health services.
There are alternative treatments for schizophrenia. Before starting any alternative treatment for schizophrenia check with psychiatrist or psychologist first so they have knowledge of treatment and approve of the treatment. The alternative treatments are meant to be used with anti psychotic medications.
Homeopathic medicine is completely safe but once again check with your doctors before going ahead with treatments. Homeopathy treats the entire person as well as his condition. Homeopathic medications are determined after a complete exam and case evaluation including medical history and physical/mental condition. Some of the medicines prescribed may include Stramonium, Sepia, Helleborus and Ignatia. To find a Homeopathic Practitioner, the National Homeopathic Association has a listing of professionals.
Music therapy which is a form of psychotherapy. The patient is encourage to use music for improving their relationship with people and communication skills. The Cochrane Review inspected the data for a recent review. In the review four studies were included. The results were combined because all the studies were similar in content. The session numbers ran from 7 to 75 in length time and were up to three months in duration. Favorable results were achieved. One study showed short term general attitude was improved. Active participation improved than the regular passive approach used in treatments.
Chinese herbs have been used for over 2000 years treating mental health disorders. In 2006 the Cochrane Review published a review article of all the studies pertaining to Chinese herbal medicine used for schizophrenia treatment. It was stated that the herbs may contain anti psychotic elements when used in Western biomedical states. The results of six trails had indicated that using Chinese herbs by themselves for psychotic symptoms may not be demonstrated, however, if associated with Western anti psychotic drugs it can be helpful in indications of mental state, global functioning and negative reactions.
Current experiments today are still being conducted in the area of schizophrenia. A genetic link between autism and schizophrenia is allowing researchers to study the performance of drugs used to treat both illnesses.
