Women in Science Africa

Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Women In Science Logo
  • Subscribe Newsletter
  • Scientists Directory
Women in science logo
The African Scientists Directory
Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin
Home News

Mindfulness, a friend to people struggling with schizophrenia

wins by wins
January 15, 2021
in News
Mindfulness, a friend to people struggling with schizophrenia
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsApp

Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder to treat, largely because of the varying symptoms. Pharmaceutical companies continue to research and develop treatment options that effectively manage symptoms. To compliment treatment, healthcare professionals are exploring the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions.1

Some of the benefits of mindfulness techniques include,2

  • Healthier sleep due to the mind and body receiving better rest.
  • Decreases the frequency of depression and anxiety, which is a contributing factor to increased symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Improvement of a person’s brain functions that include learning and memory processes, emotional regulation, self-referential processing and perspective taking.
  • A better coping process toward situations that induce stress, fear and anxiety.

Types of mindfulness-based interventions

The following techniques can be used to positively impact the lives of people living with schizophrenia,

1.Meditation1

Scientists have found meditation improves psychosocial functions and leads to positive emotions as a person feels at ease after a session of meditation. Meditation gives a person living with schizophrenia a deeper insight and acceptance of their symptoms, including hallucinations and delusional behaviour.1

2.Yoga3

Yoga has demonstrated success in improving cognitive function, decreasing the possibility of obesity and improving the ability to focus better. Additionally, some yoga sequences assist in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

As research into mindfulness-based intervention continues, it’s important to remember that schizophrenia must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional and treated with medication. Either a daily, oral medication or a monthly injectable will be prescribed. The injectable effectively manages symptoms of schizophrenia for longer periods and reduces the burden on a person living with the disorder

If you’re a caregiver or a person diagnosed with schizophrenia, it’s crucial to learn all there is to know about the disorder. Information is power and will prepare you for anything the disorder might throw at you. Visit schizophrenia24x7.co.za or the online Facebook community, Our Mental Health for resources and information, and to be part of a caring and informed community.

References:

1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6436583/#:~:text=Mindfulness%20meditation%20alleviates%20symptoms%20of,5%20and%20reduced%20negative%20symptoms

2.https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/balanced/201907/meditation-and-mental-health

3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410202/#:~:text=Yoga%20as%20a%20therapy%20in%20psychosis%2C%20specifically%20schizophrenia%2C%20has%20been,asanas%20and%20pranayama%2C%20avoiding%20meditation

4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6517037/

5.https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/39/5/962/1926273

Tags: healthMental healthschizophrenia

Related Posts

African healthcare research by CSIR women scientists
Health

Female researchers on quest to solve African healthcare and nutrition challenges

October 9, 2023
Traditional healers in rural Mpumalanga help diagnose HIV
Health

Traditional healers in rural Mpumalanga help diagnose HIV

August 10, 2023
Eastern Cape is the flashpoint of the high TB infections rate in the country
News

Eastern Cape is the flashpoint of the high TB infections rate in the country

April 19, 2023
Next Post
Gauteng hospitals are bursting at the seams as COVID-19 infections rise daily

Gauteng hospitals are bursting at the seams as COVID-19 infections rise daily

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Search

No Result
View All Result
Women in science logo

Women in Science is the continent’s premier platform for women scientists. A space for Africa’s growing community of female scientists to find support, networks and a home for their ideas and achievements to take root and grow. Published by Media Torque and Events PTY Ltd ……….. Read more

SECTIONS

  • Women of Impact
  • Analysis
  • Podcast
  • News
  • Perspective
  • Youth
  • Jobs and Careers
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

MORE ON WOMEN IN SCIENCE

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Publications
  • Collaboration Opportunities

SUBSCRIBE

game changing science from women in science
  • African Scientists Directory

CopyRight: Women In Science Africa 2023

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Advertise with Us