Effects of mind-body exercises in a patient with mood disorders: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: The rationale of this case study was to evaluate a subject with anxiety and depression under treatment for anxiety and depression with significant bodily symptoms and physical illness, configuring also a psychosomatic condition. We investigated a new protocol of mind-body exercise (MBE) and its effects on the body-mind relationship through qualitative and quantitative analysis Case Report: M.S., 47 years old, diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and several other illnesses and physical complaints, was submitted a weekly seven sessions of MBE. After that, anxiety, depression, and interoception were evaluated. Moreover, affect and arousal scales were administered after each session. Discussion: Improvements were identified in all dimensions of interoception, with more pronounced results in not-distracting (pre: 4/ post: 0,25), emotional awareness (pre: 1,6/ post: 5), self-regulation (pre: 2,29/ post: 4,29) and trusting (pre: 0/ post: 4), in addition to reducing symptoms of depression (pre: 17/ post: 14) and anxiety (pre: 29/ post: 24) and increase for positive affect (pre:2,2 ± 3,0/post: 3,6 ± 1,7) e arousal (pre:4,5 ± 1,9/post: 5,9 ± 0,4). Conclusion: We conclude that MBE improved interoceptive ability and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through these perceived and reported changes, the patient was able to learn to deal with stress and anxiety and self-regulate.