Yoga might benefit people with bipolar disorder

A new study has observed that a regular yoga practice may help people with bipolar disorder.

The study conducted by recruited 109 people with bipolar disorder and as being yoga practitioners where the participants were asked to complete an online survey concerning their yoga practice and its impact on their mood disorder symptoms.

According to the study, 86 individuals with usable responses, 70 had positive results on a screening questionnaire for manic (or less-severe hypomanic) symptoms.

Dr Lisa A. Uebelacker of Butler Hospital and Brown University, Providence, R.I.,, said that some individuals with bipolar disorder believed that yoga had a significant positive impact on their life but they noted that their survey showed that yoga was "not without risks" including potential worsening of symptoms related to bipolar disorder.

The researchers reported positive emotional effects of yoga, such as reduced anxiety and worry, positive cognitive effects, especially in terms of increased mindfulness, and positive physical effects, such as weight loss, increased energy, and improved sleep.

According to the study, one-fourth of respondents reported some type of negative effects related to yoga.

The study is published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice.