According to the American Psychological Association, psychosis is a mental illness that is characterized by a radical change in personality as it interferes with an individual’s sense of objective reality (Archie, S. et al., 2007). Importantly, psychosis has posed a problem worldwide depending on the conditions associated with the psychotic symptoms. As a result of this, psychosis has led to the loss of interaction and concentration among the victims; leading to hallucinations, delusions, thinking problems, and lack of insights among others (Archie et al., 2007).
According to a study carried out by reading, J. et al. (2005), psychosis and hallucinations in particular are associated with instances of child abuse and neglect. On this basis, this study wanted to eliminate the deficiencies that existed on the possibility of psychosis resulting from child trauma (Faulkner & Sparkes, 1999). In this study, the researchers indicated that physical exercises in children bring about moods change and increased interaction that help in treating psychosis. As indicated by Faulkner and Sparkes (1999) in the journal of ‘Sports and Exercise Psychology’, physical exercises benefit depressed women out of co-occurring depressions. According to them, physical exercises taper off excess energy in the case of someone with an obsession (Faulkner & Sparkes, 1999).
It should be noted that earlier studies did not wholly tackle the subject of exercise as a viable diagnosis for individuals with psychosis; as people thought that exercises are for diseases like obesity and not mental complications. On this basis, there has been a gap in the studies related to this topic as there is no study that has been conducted to study exercises alone as a treatment for psychosis (Pelham & Campagna, 1991). As a result of this, there is a great opportunity for expanding the study of exercise for the treatment of psychosis since from the study conducted at Duke University; those victims who exercised for thirty minutes a day had the same benefits as those who received medications (Pelham & Campagna, 1991).
A point worth noting is that, from the study of Crone, D., & Guy, H. (2008) in the ‘international journal of mental health nursing; the study of physical exercises to psychosis victims is very important. On this basis, it helps people to understand the benefits brought about by exercises on depressions and other mental illnesses. In this relation, physical exercises by psychosis victims may be as efficient as medication and even a better alternative to some psychotics (Crone & Guy, 2008).
Significantly, this study is guided by the theory of psychosis referred to as the neurobiological theory that states that; body activities affect the reaction of the mind. According to neurobiologists, the comprehension of the body and brain; brings about emotions, mood swings, memories, and sensory experience (Wiles et al., 2007). In this case, this approach explains the mind-body dualism where the body affects the mind and vice versa. On this basis, the physical exercises of the body influence the reactions and actions of the mind and hence viable treatment of extreme psychosis. It should be noted that through this approach data can be scientifically tested through scanning (Wiles et al., 2007).
A point worth noting is that this study is guided by a thesis statement that; “physical exercises are beneficial to victims of psychosis”. In this relation, this study wanted to prove that physical exercises assist in the treatment of mental disorders like psychosis. Importantly, exercises benefit in social interactions, tapering off excessive energy and mood change (Pelham & Campagna, 1991).
In winding up, psychosis leads to hallucinations, thinking problems, loss of concentration, and delusions. On this basis, psychosis can be brought about by child abuse and neglect. It should be noted that physical exercises have benefited a lot in the treatment of extreme psychosis the same case medication does.
References
Archie, S. et al. (2007). Psychotic disorders, eating habits, and physical activity: who is ready for lifestyle changes? Journal of Psychiatric Services, 58, 2, 233-239.
Crone, D., & Guy, H. (2008). Iknow it is only exercise, but to me it is something that keeps me going; A qualitative approach to understanding mental health service users’ experiences of sports therapy. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 17, 3, 197-207.
Faulkner, G. & Sparkes, A. (1999) Exercise as therapy for schizophrenia. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 21, 52–69.
Pelham, T. & Campagna, P. (1991) Benefits of exercise in psychiatric rehabilitation of persons with schizophrenia. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation, 4, 159–168.
Wiles, N. et al. (2007). Physical Activity and Common Mental Disorder: Results from the Caerphilly Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 165, 8, 946-954.