ALPHA PSYCHIATRY
Original Articles

Investigation of the efficacy of a psychiatric-social rehabilitation performed on individuals with schizophrenia in a community mental health center: Controlled study

1.

Kutahya Doc.Dr.Mustafa Kalemli Tavsanli Devlet Hastanesi, Psikiyatri Klinigi

2.

Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Psikiyatri Klinigi

Alpha Psychiatry 2017; 18: 419-427
DOI: 10.5455/apd.254450
Read: 1300 Downloads: 636 Published: 01 October 2017

Objective: The holistic approach in schizophrenia treatment recommends the practice of psychosocial treatments in addition to medical treatment. In the present study we aimed to assess the effectiveness of psychosocial rehabilitation (psychosocial rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy) and care requirements performed in a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) compared with patients treated as usual (pharmacotherapy) in the outpatient clinic. Methods: The study included patients who were regularly followed up because of schizophrenia for at least one year in CMHCs (n=100) and polyclinics (n=50). A Sociodemographic Data Form was used to question housing, economic status, working and social rights, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Functional Activities Questionnaire, Functioning Assessment Short Test, Schedule for Assessing the Three Components of Insight, and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale were applied to both groups, and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview was administered to caregivers. Results: Although there was no difference regarding sociodemographic variables between the groups, the caregiver burden was higher in the polyclinic group. Lower scores indicating significant difference in the CMHC group in positive and negative symptoms, were similar for depression, and a positively significant difference was detected in functionality, insight, and adherence to treatment. The CMHC group was found to be better in ‘autonomy,’ ‘cognitive functionality,’ and ‘spare time activities’ in functionality areas; however, patients were found as similar regarding ‘occupational functionality,’ ‘financial issues,’ and ‘interpersonal relations’. Conclusion: The term ‘recovery’ in schizophrenia currently relates with patients having a role in society, improving independent life skills, and contributing to production by working. We detected the positive effect of CMHC practices in primary (functionality, insight, adherence to treatment, caregiver burden) and secondary (positive, negative schizophrenia symptoms) outcome indicators. However, no difference was detected in the areas of occupational functionality and interpersonal relations. The results are important because they emphasize the importance of concentrating on the improvement of independent life skills, particularly professional adaptation in adaptive studies. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 18(5.000): 419-427]

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