Effects of deep breathing in patients with bipolar disorder.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of deep breathing exercises in subjects with bipolar disorder.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This was an open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial with three assessments: preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up.

FINDINGS: The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, BECK-A, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale had significant preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up differences. The results indicated that the deep breathing protocol was effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients with bipolar disorder. The deep breathing protocol has no negative side effects and might be applied to decrease anxiety symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results provide direction for providing quality care that reduces anxiety levels in patients with bipolar disorder.