Yoga-based intervention for caregivers of outpatients with psychosis: a randomized controlled pilot study

The use of yoga as an intervention for caregivers of patients with psychosis has been poorly studied. The current study aimed to test the efficacy of a brief yoga program as an intervention in caregivers of outpatients with functional psychotic disorders using a randomized controlled research design.

Caregivers who agreed to participate in the study (n=29) were randomized into yoga (n=15) or wait-list group (n=14). They were assessed at baseline and at the end of 3 months. Patients who were randomized into the yoga group were offered supervised yoga training thrice a week for 4 weeks, after which they were instructed to practice at home for the next 2 months. Due to the small sample size and some variables not being normally distributed, non-parametric statistical analysis was used.

Results showed significantly reduced burden scores and improved quality of life scores in the yoga group as compared to the wait-list group at the end of 3 months. There were no significant changes in anxiety and depression scores in caregivers, or psychopathology scores in patients.

In caregivers of outpatients with functional psychosis, 4 weeks of training followed by 3 months of home practice of a yoga module offered significant advantage over waitlist. Yoga can be offered as an intervention for caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders. Methods of providing yoga intervention closer to the community or use of flexible modules at hospitals needs further study.