Traditional healing may relieve symptoms of mental illness
Temple healing practices may help to improve the symptoms of people with mental illnesses, according to researchers in this week`s BMJ.
The study was conducted at the temple of Muthuswamy in South India, known as a source of help for people with serious mental disorders. From June to August 2000, everyone who came for help was assessed by a trained psychiatrist on the first day of their stay in the temple and again on the day they left to return home, using recognised psychiatric rating scale scores. Family caregivers were also asked to assess satisfaction with their experience at the temple.
A total of 31 people sought help and stayed at the temple. Twenty three were diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, six with delusional disorders, and two with bipolar disorder. No specific ceremonies to promote the recovery of patients are performed at the temple. Instead the patient is encouraged to take part in the daily maintenance routines of the temple.
The researchers found a reduction of nearly 20% in psychiatric rating scale scores, representing a level of clinical improvement that matches that achieved by many psychotrophic drugs. Family caregivers also thought that most of the patients had improved during their stay.
In the absence of any specific healing rituals, the observed benefits appeared to result from a supportive, non-threatening environment, say the authors. They suggest that these institutions may have a role in providing community mental health care.
Media Contact
All latest news from the category: Health and Medicine
This subject area encompasses research and studies in the field of human medicine.
Among the wide-ranging list of topics covered here are anesthesiology, anatomy, surgery, human genetics, hygiene and environmental medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pharmacology, physiology, urology and dental medicine.
Newest articles
Faster, more energy-efficient way to manufacture an industrially important chemical
Zirconium combined with silicon nitride enhances the conversion of propane — present in natural gas — needed to create in-demand plastic, polypropylene. Polypropylene is a common type of plastic found…
Energy planning in Ghana as a role model for the world
Improving the resilience of energy systems in the Global South. What criteria should we use to better plan for resilient energy systems? How do socio-economic, technical and climate change related…
Artificial blood vessels could improve heart bypass outcomes
Artificial blood vessels could improve heart bypass outcomes. 3D-printed blood vessels, which closely mimic the properties of human veins, could transform the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Strong, flexible, gel-like tubes…