Clinical phenomenology of mental disorders caused by Qigong exercise

One hundred and nine patients with mental disorders caused by Qigong psychophysical exercise deviation are studied. These patients were divided into schizophrenic type (47 cases) and neurotic type (62 cases) and were analyzed by standard psychiatric rating scales and improved Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI). The results show that patients with Qigong deviation presented abnormalities in perception, thinking, and behavior of varying degree. The clinical characteristics could not be classified into extent psychiatric disease units. Most of these patients manifested specific physical symptoms of Qigong deviation. The authors suggest that this kind of mild, benign mental disorder associated with the unique culture of our country be studied to contribute to the study of the classification of mental disorders. Qigong triggered disorders usually normalized during short term follow-up.