The physiotherapists' experience of Basic Body Awareness Therapy in patients with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Background: Scandinavian physiotherapists (PT) treat patients with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, mainly because of the latter's bodily difficulties. One commonly used method is Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT), targeting the difficulties with sensory motor dysfunction and disembodiment. The aim of the study is to describe the physiotherapist's experiences of using BBAT for patients with Schizophrenia. Method: In a qualitative study, eight physiotherapists, who use BBAT when treating patients with schizophrenia were interviewed. The interview transcriptions were analysed according to content analysis. Results: Three stage related themes were created: encountering discovery towards embodiment, and inner space towards outer world. In encountering the PTs described important aspects at the beginning of treatment. Discovery towards embodiment revealed how the PTs conceived that the patients' attention is directed toward their own body and their bodily experiences. The theme, inner space towards outer world reflects the PTs experience of the changes achieved and how patients turn their attention to the outside world as a more competent self. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.