Abstract

Working in a regional acute department of psychiatry, the author organized therapeutic training sessions in defensive sports within the framework of the departments complex treatment regime (bio-psycho-sociotherapy) for psychiatric patients in general and, in particular, for those psychotics who suffered from anxiety and pathological inhibitions. This kind of group therapy has become increasingly popular also among the staff and the inhabitants of the region. The study extended over a month and included an initial and a final testing procedure too (Brengelmann inventory, Draw-A-Man, Draw-A-tree, Picture Frustration and Wartegg tests). By the end of the month reduced anxiety and increased extroversion and self-confidence was noted in the therapeutic group while the tests evidenced a decrease in aggressive reactivity. The inclusion of combative sports adapted to the treatment and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients seems worth experimenting on a broader scale. Verf.-Referat