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A pioneering study published in Psychiatry Research unveiled the transformative effects of trauma-adapted yoga within forensic psychiatry.

"It is a breakthrough that we can now demonstrate the possibility of using yoga as a complementary care intervention in psychiatry and the positive effects it brings," study leader Nóra Kerekes, a professor in Medical Sciences (Psychiatry) at the University West, said, News Medical reported.

Building upon previous findings in correctional facilities, where yoga demonstrated benefits such as improved impulse control and mental health, the study focused on detained individuals with severe psychiatric disorders.

"We wanted to explore whether previous positive results with the use of yoga in correctional facilities could be transferred to detained individuals suffering from severe psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we evaluated trauma-adapted yoga as a support within forensic psychiatry," Kerekes explained.

"There are few high-quality clinical studies on individuals who have committed crimes and who have a serious mental disorder. What exists are either studies on inmates separately or studies of individuals suffering from various psychiatric disorders. For both of these groups, yoga has shown positive effects."

The research marks the first of its kind, examining the feasibility and impact of trauma-adapted yoga in forensic psychiatry settings. 

For the study, 56 patients from various forensic psychiatric clinics participated for 10 weeks in specially designed yoga classes or opted for alternative physical activities, with self-choice being a key component of the study design.

Participants in the yoga group experienced significant reductions in negative emotional states, anxiety, paranoid ideation, hostility and overall psychological distress. The positive changes were not observed in the group engaging in other forms of physical activities. 

Moreover, the yoga group reported a notable decrease in pain frequency, alongside enhanced self-control and accountability.

"Trauma-adapted yoga implemented in a forensic psychiatric setting demonstrates feasibility and results in several positive changes in patients' mental health, emotional states, pain, and self-control," Kerekes said.  

Furthermore, she emphasized the development of a structured yoga program tailored for patients, coupled with training for healthcare personnel, as a crucial step in integrating this therapeutic approach within forensic psychiatry.