"No tears or brain words": A case report on single-session dance/movement therapy for individuals with schizophrenia...

Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) face a multitude of challenges in their lifetime including complex symptomatology, co-morbid health concerns, profound levels of stigmatization, and diminished access to quality care. Additionally, they are often the victims of unjust systemic biases and discrimination when they are able to engage with the healthcare system. This confluence of injustices leads to disparate physical and mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Globally, schizophrenia affects over 24 million, many of whom are experiencing healthcare disparities posing a significant public health concern. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is an equitable healthcare provision situated in a strengths-based and trauma-informed psychotherapeutic framework. Dance/movement therapy can support the symptomatic needs of SSDs including alternate reality orientations, thought and behavioral disorganization, and diminished interpersonal engagement.

We present an intrinsic case report nested within a larger randomized controlled trial that implemented a convergent parallel mixed method design. Data were collected simultaneously; however, initially analyzed individually first, then merged. Pre- and post-intervention quantitative data were collected through the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Qualitative data were collected post-intervention through semi-structured individual interviews.

This intrinsic case report examines the experience of a 37-year-old African American cisgender male, with high symptom acuity of schizoaffective disorder, who engaged in a single-session DMT intervention.

Following the intervention, the participant exhibited a decrease in symptomatology as evidenced by the BPRS in total scores as well as subscales of psychological distress, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and resistance. Moreover, following the DMT session the participant expressed having had a transformative experience, feeling like a contributing member of the group process. He also reported feeling a sense of pride, and experiencing the ability to engage in healthy relationships, and noted shared and meaningful experiences in his group process.

Community-driven, non-verbal treatment options such as DMT, can provide opportunities for individuals with symptom acuity of SSDs. Future research should explore the potential for DMT, an inclusive and equitable treatment option, to support individuals with SSDs.