Schizophrenia patients are susceptible to weight gain and associated illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of "Postgraduate Medicine." Lifestyle and certain types of medications are contributing factors. Research indicates exercise has positive effects on physical, emotional and mental health in schizophrenic people.
The Disorder
Schizophrenia is a chronic severe mental illness caused by a brain disorder. People with this illness interpret reality abnormally, and may have delusions, auditory or visual hallucinations and confused thinking. The disease is progressive, so the individual's ability to function in everyday life and to care for himself typically deteriorates over time. These patients may show an inability to make plans, express emotion and experience any pleasure in life, notes an article appearing in the May 20, 2010 issue of "Medill Reports," a publication of Northwestern University.
Complications
Obesity is a common health problem among schizophrenic patients, as noted by L. Citrome and B. Vreeland in the 2008 "Postgraduate Medicine" study. These patients tend to have unhealthy lifestyles, and many medications for treating schizophrenia, such as second-generation antipsychotic drugs, cause weight gain. Being overweight increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems and coronary heart disease.
Exercise Effects
A review of three studies that was published in the May 12, 2010 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" evaluated the effects of exercise on physical and mental health in schizophrenic patients. The exercise programs included activities such as jogging, strength training and yoga, and lasted 12 to 16 weeks. Exercise significantly improved physical health and mental state as compared to standard care without exercise. Authors P. Gorczynski and G. Faulkner concluded that regular exercise programs are not only possible with schizophrenic patients, but the programs can have benefits for mental and physical health.
Specific Benefits
In the studies reviewed by the Cochrane researchers, symptoms of depression, low self-esteem and social withdrawal improved in the exercise groups. Participants generally felt more socially connected with others. Increased motivation was the most significant effect, as noted by the 2010 "Medill Reports" article. Some exercise group participants experienced greater motivation for exercise, healthy eating and personal hygiene. One study found that yoga was better than other exercise for mental state, and patients practicing yoga had significantly better quality-of-life scores.
