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NCT Number: NCT07682935

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Angling Mental Disorders Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders Supportive Therapeutic

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Fırat university

Elâzığ, Center, 25240, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Gülcan B Bahçecioğlu Turan

CONTACT

[email protected]

506 557 60 86

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18 years and older
  • Able to communicate verbally
  • Diagnosed with schizophrenia
  • Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders other than schizophrenia
  • Patients in the acute psychotic (attack) phase

Treatment and study plan

recreational fishing (angling)

Behavioral

Fishing will be done.

Primary outcomes

  1. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Quality of Life Scale for Schizophrenia Patients

    Time frame: 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.

  3. UCLA Loneliness Scale

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Serum Beta-Endorphin Concentration

    Time frame: 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.

  5. Serum Serotonin Concentration

    Time frame: 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.

  6. Serum Cortisol Concentration

    Time frame: 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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Firat University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Angling as a Supportive Therapy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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