Investigation of the Effects of Angling as Supportive Therapy in Schizophrenia Treatment on Serum Parameters, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

recreational fishing (angling): Fishing will be done.

Study summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of recreational fishing (angling) as a supportive therapeutic intervention in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, emotion, and behavior, often accompanied by negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, anhedonia, and cognitive impairment, which significantly reduce quality of life.

Recreational activities, particularly those involving nature-based engagement, have been shown to support psychological well-being through stress reduction, improved attention, and enhanced mood regulation. Angling is considered a mindfulness-like recreational activity that promotes relaxation, concentration, and emotional regulation, potentially offering benefits for individuals with psychiatric conditions.

In this randomized controlled study, participants with schizophrenia will engage in a structured recreational fishing program in addition to standard care. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated on biochemical serum parameters, anxiety and depression levels, and quality of life outcomes. The study also aims to assess the psychosocial well-being of participants and determine the feasibility of integrating angling as an adjunctive non-pharmacological intervention in schizophrenia care.

The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based complementary treatment approaches in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale — Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
  The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale : he Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), developed by Kay et al., is a semi-structured clinician-rated instrument consisting of 30 items scored on a 7-point scale (1 = absent to 7 = extreme). The scale comprises three subscales: positive symptoms (7 items; score range: 7-49), negative symptoms (7 items; score range: 7-49), and general psychopathology (16 items; score range: 16-112). Total PANSS scores range from 30 to 210, with higher scores indicating more severe psychopathology and poorer clinical status.
• Quality of Life Scale for Schizophrenia Patients — Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
  Developed by Heinrich et al. to assess the quality of life of schizophrenia patients, the Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Soygür et al. Administered in a semi-structured interview format, the scale evaluates the individual's symptoms and level of functioning over the past four weeks. It consists of 21 items and four sub-dimensions: interpersonal relationships, occupational role, mental symptoms, and daily activities. Scores on the scale range from 0 to 126, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
• UCLA Loneliness Scale — Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
  The UCLA Loneliness Scale-Short Form (ULS-8) is an 8-item self-report instrument used to assess perceived loneliness. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Never") to 4 ("Always"). Two items are reverse scored. Total scores range from 8 to 32, with higher scores indicating greater perceived loneliness.
• Serum Beta-Endorphin Concentration — Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
  Venous blood samples will be collected to measure serum beta-endorphin concentration. Changes in serum beta-endorphin levels will be evaluated to assess the biological effects of the intervention.
• Serum Serotonin Concentration — Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
  Venous blood samples will be collected to measure serum serotonin concentration. Changes in serum serotonin levels will be evaluated to assess the biological effects of the intervention.
• Serum Cortisol Concentration — Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
  Venous blood samples will be collected to measure serum cortisol concentration. Changes in serum cortisol levels will be evaluated to assess the biological effects of the intervention.

Trial sites (1)

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