Study on Examination of Therapeutic Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms of Yoga Treatment in Schizophrenia

Examination of Therapeutic Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms of Yoga Treatment in Schizophrenia

The aim of this study is to examine whether yoga is efficacious as an add-on treatment for negative symptoms of schizophrenia in a randomized multi-centric trial and also to examine functional brain changes associated with self-reflection after treatment with yoga.

Inclusion Criteria:

Schizophrenia Subject

1. ICD (International Classification of Diseases) 10 diagnosis of schizophrenia
2. capacity to provide informed consent, as evaluated by the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research
3. no other current comorbid axis I diagnosis (except nicotine abuse/dependence) and no general impaired intellectual functioning

Healthy volunteers:

1. Males and females between 18 and 45 years
2. Capacity to provide informed consent
3. absence of past or present psychiatric illnesses including substance abuse 4) no general impaired intellectual functioning (MMSE above24)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other current comorbid axis I diagnosis (except nicotine abuse/dependence) and general impaired intellectual functioning
2. History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence in the last 12 months (with the exception of nicotine)
3. Any Contraindication to MRI like metal implants or paramagnetic objects within the body or claustrophobia (only for patients undergoing fMRI at NIMHANS)
4. Past history of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness or neurosurgery
5. Concomitant severe medical conditions
6. Change in dose of antipsychotic medication or Electroconvulsive therapy in the past 6weeks
7. Pregnant or lactating -