Mindful yoga as an adjunct treatment for forensic inpatients: a preliminary evaluation

Abstract

Although emerging evidence of yoga interventions shows benefits for people with schizophrenia, research is lacking regarding yoga interventions among forensic inpatients. This pilot study investigated the acceptability and effectiveness of an eight-week mindful yoga programme in improving psychological outcomes in 26 forensic inpatients. Outcome measures included the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure as well as a qualitative component post-intervention and at two-month follow-up. Trends in the predicted direction suggested reductions in clinical symptoms over time, specifically anxiety. Key themes revealed increased body awareness, relaxation and self-directed yoga practices and breathing techniques for anxiety management. Ninety-two percent reported acceptance of the programme. Preliminary findings are encouraging and warrant further research into the application of mindful yoga in the management of distress and risk with forensic inpatients.

Keywords:

• forensic psychiatry and psychology
• forensic mental health
• schizophrenia
• psychosis
• mindful yoga
• programme evaluation

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by the New Zealand Schizophrenia Research Group (NZSRG) (04/09/2012) with a research award for research-related expenses. This research was presented at the annual meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Auckland, New Zealand, September 2013, and at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Schizophrenia Research Group, Auckland, New Zealand, November 2013. This article is based on the Master’s Thesis in MHSc of the main author.

The authors thank for their invaluable contribution to, and support of this project: The Waitemata District Health Board and Mason Clinic staff and Swami Kriyatma, Director of Education at the Satyananda Yoga Academy, Australia. Deepest thanks go to the residents, who embraced the programme so willingly and shared their experiences so generously.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest were reported by the authors.