Evidence review
Yoga as a complementary practice in mental health care
An evidence-aware overview of what research suggests about yoga as an adjunctive wellbeing practice for people living with serious mental health conditions — written with academic caution and a clear commitment to complementary, not replacement, care.
By Bhavin Thakker · Published
Important notice
This article provides an educational overview of research concerning yoga and serious mental health conditions. It does not constitute medical or psychological advice, and Yoga for Mental Wellbeing does not diagnose or treat any mental health condition. The conditions discussed in this article require professional clinical assessment and treatment. Yoga may only be considered as a complementary wellbeing practice alongside, and never in place of, appropriate professional care.
Why a single article?
The conditions discussed in this article — bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, schizophrenia and dementia — are serious mental health and neurological conditions that require specialist clinical assessment and treatment. The evidence base for yoga as a complementary practice in these areas is at an earlier stage than for conditions such as anxiety and depression, and the clinical complexity of each condition warrants particular caution.
Rather than presenting separate pages that might imply individual treatment expertise, this article provides a single, academically cautious overview of what the research currently suggests — and, importantly, what it does not yet establish. The aim is to inform, not to prescribe.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with episodes of depression. It is a complex condition requiring careful clinical management, typically involving mood-stabilising medication, psychotherapy and structured lifestyle support.
Some studies have investigated yoga and mindfulness-based interventions as adjuncts to standard bipolar treatment. A small number of pilot studies suggest that yoga may be associated with improvements in mood stability, sleep and quality of life in people with bipolar disorder who are in a stable phase of their condition. However, the evidence base is very limited, and there are important safety considerations: yoga practices that are highly stimulating or that involve intensive breathwork may be contraindicated during hypomanic or manic episodes. Any yoga practice for someone with bipolar disorder should be undertaken in close consultation with their treating clinician.
The evidence is preliminary. Yoga should only be considered as a complementary practice during stable phases and with clinical guidance.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterised by persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress. First-line treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) and, where appropriate, medication.
Research on yoga specifically for OCD is limited. Some studies have examined mindfulness-based interventions, which share elements with yoga practice, and found modest improvements in OCD symptom severity as an adjunct to standard treatment. The proposed mechanism relates to mindfulness's potential to support a more observational, less reactive relationship with intrusive thoughts — though this is an area requiring further investigation. It is important to note that yoga or mindfulness should not be used as a form of reassurance-seeking or avoidance, which could inadvertently reinforce OCD patterns.
Evidence is limited and preliminary. Any complementary practice should be discussed with a qualified OCD therapist to ensure it does not interfere with evidence-based treatment.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders — including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder — are serious mental health conditions with significant physical health implications. They require specialist clinical assessment and treatment, which may include medical monitoring, nutritional support, psychotherapy and, in some cases, inpatient care.
Research on yoga for eating disorders is growing but remains limited. Some studies suggest that yoga may support improvements in body image, interoceptive awareness and emotional regulation in individuals with eating disorders, particularly when delivered within a clinical context and adapted to avoid triggering body-focused distress. A 2017 review in the Journal of Eating Disorders found preliminary evidence for yoga as an adjunctive intervention, while emphasising the need for careful clinical oversight and adaptation.
Yoga for eating disorders requires specialist clinical oversight and significant adaptation. It should never be used as a standalone intervention and is not appropriate without concurrent specialist treatment.
Schizophrenia and psychosis
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition characterised by psychotic symptoms including hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking, alongside negative symptoms such as reduced motivation and emotional expression. Treatment typically involves antipsychotic medication and psychosocial interventions delivered by specialist mental health services.
A number of studies, including a Cochrane review, have examined yoga as an adjunctive intervention for schizophrenia. Some evidence suggests that yoga may be associated with improvements in quality of life, social functioning and negative symptoms when delivered alongside standard treatment. The evidence is considered preliminary, and studies vary considerably in quality and design. Yoga for people with schizophrenia should only be delivered within a clinical context, with appropriate support and in coordination with the treating mental health team.
Yoga should only be considered as an adjunct to specialist psychiatric care, delivered with appropriate clinical support and oversight.
Dementia and cognitive ageing
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions — including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia — that affect memory, cognition, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. There is currently no cure, and treatment focuses on symptom management, quality of life and support for both individuals and carers.
Research on yoga and dementia is at an early stage. Some studies have investigated yoga and mindfulness-based practices in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia, with some evidence of improvements in cognitive function, mood and quality of life. A 2019 review in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found preliminary evidence that mind-body practices may support cognitive health in older adults, while noting that the evidence base is not yet sufficient to draw firm conclusions. Yoga for people with dementia requires significant adaptation to account for cognitive and physical limitations, and should be delivered with appropriate support.
Evidence is preliminary. Yoga for people with dementia requires specialist adaptation and should be delivered with appropriate support and clinical awareness.
A note on evidence and responsibility
The research reviewed in this article represents an emerging and evolving field. Where studies show promise, they are typically small, methodologically varied, and not yet sufficient to establish yoga as an evidence-based treatment for any of the conditions discussed. This article does not claim otherwise.
Bhavin Thakker's postgraduate study in neuroscience and mental health informs his understanding of these conditions and the research landscape. His private yoga sessions can be adapted to an individual's general wellbeing needs. They are not a substitute for specialist clinical care, and he does not work with individuals as a replacement for their mental health treatment team.
If you or someone you know is living with any of the conditions discussed in this article, please ensure you are working with appropriately qualified healthcare and mental health professionals.
Interested in exploring yoga for your general wellbeing?
Private sessions can be adapted to your individual needs and circumstances. They are not a substitute for condition-specific healthcare — please consult an appropriate professional where necessary.