Safety and potential utility of integrated Yoga and Ayurveda (IYA) intervention for psychotropic-associated metabolic syndrome in patients with severe mental disorders: A prospective single-arm pre-post pilot study

Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major side-effect of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications that increases risk for cardiac and neurological disorders and hinders long-term adherence to treatment. Integrated Yoga and Ayurveda (IYA) intervention can potentially aid in counteracting these side effects.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Integrated Yoga and Ayurveda (IYA) intervention in psychotropic associated metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with severe mental disorders

Materials and Methods

A single-arm exploratory observational trial was conducted in an outpatient setting at a major tertiary mental healthcare hospital in South India. The study included 29 consenting patients(11 females and 18 males) with severe mental disorders (SMDs) stable on anti-psychotic and antidepressant medications diagnosed with MetS (NCEP-ATP III criteria). A 45-day IYA intervention comprising an Ayurveda herbal formulation (Triphala choorna 6 gm per dose) with warm water twice daily and a 10-min specific yoga program was administered. Assessments were performed at the baseline and after 45 days for the following variables: anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, and safety profile consisting of Renal Function and Liver Function tests. Seventeen patients completed the study. Data on changes in anthropometry and biochemical markers was analyzed using paired samples t-test.

Results

A statistically significant reduction was observed in the following variables: body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), Total cholesterol (p < 0.05), and triglycerides (p < 0.05). None of the patients reported any side effects of IYA. Clinical assessment at the end of 45 days did not reveal any worsening of psychotic symptoms.

Conclusion

IYA may serve as a safe and potentially effective adjuvant in addressing MetS in patients with SMDs who are on psychotropics.