Shiatsu Adjuvant Therapy For Schizophrenia

In the current study we will study the effect of adding shiatsu treatment to conventional therapy in work with hospitalized schizophrenic patients. The hypotheses of this study are several: 1. Shiatsu can improve the patients' symptoms 2. Shiatsu can ameliorate neuromuscular side effects produced by standard anti-psychotic treatment 3. Shiatsu can provide patients with tools to deal with the stresses of their illness 2\. Methodology We propose an open pilot study in which a total of 20 patients of both sexes will be enrolled. These patients will be drawn from the inpatient psychiatric wards at Herzog Hospital. Upon inclusion into the trial, all participants will receive shiatsu treatment, consisting of two individual weekly 40-minute shiatsu treatment sessions for four weeks. Provider and patient will be of the same gender. Standard pharmacotherapy will be provided as needed during the treatment period. Medication and dosage will not be changed. If necessary, benzodiazepines will be administered as required. Outcome measures: The following assessments will be included: 1. Medication: Use of SOS benzodiazepines 2. Clinical rating scales: PANSS, CGI, NOSIE, Hamilton Scales for depression and anxiety 1\. Side effect scales: Simpson Angus Scale, AIMS scale, UKU scale 2. Neurophysiological testing: Prepulse inhibition (PPI). 3. Neurocognitive testing: This will be performed using the NIMH's Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery for Clinical Trials.