Investigation of the effect of goal-oriented dance movement therapy on depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia: a rater-blinded randomised controlled study

Background/Aims Depression is a common symptom in schizophrenia and can negatively affect treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of goal‑oriented dance or movement therapy on depressive symptoms in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methods The study was designed as a randomised controlled rater‑blinded study, in which 32 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either the intervention (dance movement therapy) group or control group. The intervention consisted of twice‑weekly goal‑oriented dance movement therapy sessions, with each session lasting approximately 40–50 minutes, for a total of 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. Results The depressive symptoms before and after the intervention were compared. No significant differences between groups were observed at baseline. There was no change in the control group, whereas a significant improvement on depressive symptoms was observed in the total Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia score in the dance movement therapy group after the intervention. Conclusions Goal‑oriented dance movement therapy is an effective treatment for the depressive symptoms in schizophrenia patients in addition to conventional treatments. Although the results are favourable, further studies are needed to test its effectiveness. Implications for practice In the traditional treatment of schizophrenia, it is important to evaluate depression and support the treatment with approaches such as dance movement therapy.