Role of Yoga in Severe Psychological Diseases: A Narrative Review (original) (raw)
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Psychopharmacology and psychotherapy are the primary treatment modalities utilized in Western psychiatry. Yet, the effectiveness of these therapies is limited. The well-accepted biopsychosocial approach for the treatment of mental illness has been expanded of late to include a spiritual component as well. Yoga can play a role in this comprehensive, holistic biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to healing mental illness. In addition to limited effectiveness, psychopharmacologic interventions, particularly alone, are associated with side effects. Most notably, the antipsychotic medications used widely in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar illness, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are linked to metabolic side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and dyslipidemias. The combination of these metabolic side effects, particularly obesity, with severe mental illness poses a major public health problem. In searching for ways to reverse antipsychotic medication–associated weight gain, we have identified yoga as an acceptable form of exercise as well as a plausible adjunctive therapy for the treatment of mental illness, particularly in the reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Yoga as a Complementary Treatment Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that has only recently been documented by the Western world for its potential therapeutic effects. An increasing number of empirical studies have reported positive effects of mind-body therapies for the treatment of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The National Institutes of Health Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine defines mind-body interventions as " a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. " It is believed that yoga practice enhances the connection between the mind and body, and it is used as a therapeutic intervention in a variety of diseases. The mechanisms that allow for the potential therapeutic effects of yoga have been described as the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, especially a reduction in sympathetic tone, as well as activation of antagonistic neuromuscular systems and stimulation of the limbic system. Clinical Points ♦Yoga can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.