Investigation of the effect of dance/movement therapy on psychotic status and functional recovery in individuals with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dance/movement therapy (DMT) on psychotic status and functional remission in individuals with schizophrenia. In the study, 32 schizophrenic individuals, 16 randomly selected patients underwent sole medical treatment, and another 16 underwent medical treatment combined with DMT. The pre- and post-treatment values of psychotic states and functional recovery levels of individuals with schizophrenia were compared. Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for Schizophrenia and Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) scale were used to collect the data. As a result of our study; while no change was observed in the control group, there was a significant improvement (p=0.001) in the total score of CDSS in the DMT group. There was a significant improvement in the total score (p≤0.001) of the DMT group, the total score of the Negative Symptoms subscale (p=0.001) and the total score of the General Psychopathology subscale (p≤0.001). Especially the Negative Symptoms subscale and its some item were improved; Flow "blunted affect" of (p=0.004), "emotional withdrawal" (p=0.026), "poor rapport" (p=0.011), "passive-apathetic social withdrawal" (p=0.010) and "lack of spontaneity & flow of conversation" (p=0.034). In the General Psychopatology Symptoms Subscale and its some item were improved; "somatic concern" (p=0.016), "anxiety" (p=0.011), "depression" (p=0.024), "uncooperativeness" (p=0.034), "poor attention" (p=0.001), "preoccupation" (p=0.039) and "active social avoidance" (p=0.008). In addition, in the group receiving DMT, FROGS total score (p=0.000) and "social functioning" (p=0.001), "health and treatment" (p=0.008), "daily life skills" (p=0.001) and "occupational functionality" (p=0.041) were improved. These results sign for exciting possibility in the treatment of schizophrenia. In conclusion, DMT's positive effects on psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, in addition to has been shown to be an effective treatment in functional remission. It has been concluded that DMT is an important addition to routine therapies in schizophrenia patients. Key Words: Schizophrenia, Dance/Movement Therapy, Psychotic symptom, Depression, Functional Remission