Dance and Movement Therapy in Patients With Schizophrenia

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that starts at a young age and progresses with positive (hallucination, delusion) and negative (decreased emotional participation, reluctance) symptoms. While drug therapy in schizophrenia targets positive symptoms; psychotherapies are needed in the treatment of negative symptoms. It is seen that especially art therapies such as occupational and music support recovery and rehabilitation. In addition, it is stated that dance and movement therapy is effective in ensuring social participation of patients. There are a limited number of studies demonstrating the effect of dance and movement therapy on schizophrenia patients. Aim: This project was planned to examine the effects of dance and movement therapy techniques to be applied to patients with schizophrenia on patients' negative symptoms and disability. Method: In this project, which was planned in a repetitive measure design with a pretest-posttest control group, dance and movement therapy techniques, consisting of 12 sessions in total, will be applied to schizophrenic patients in a Community Mental Health Center once a week. Negative symptoms and disability levels will be determined before, after and a month after the application. The findings obtained as a result of these three follow-ups will be evaluated. Project Outputs: Reduction of negative symptoms and disability will enable schizophrenic patients to become individuals who can express themselves better in their family and society and have an increased quality of life. It is thought that these gains will increase patients' compliance with treatment, prevent recurrent symptoms and reduce hospitalizations. The results will also constitute a scientific source for the studies to be carried out in the field.