SEVERE PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES

Objectives:To find out the effectiveness of “Illness management and Recovery(IMR)” program as a group intervention for improving daily functioning of clients suffering fromsevere psychiatric illnesses.Setting:The Recovery House, a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centerin Karachi, Pakistan. Period:Dec 2012 to Sep 2013.Methodology:Fifteen(15) patients wereenrolled in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, one group with 7 patientsand the second with 8 patients. Informed consent was obtained from the patients and theirfamily. A semi-structured Proforma was used to record the demographic details of patients.Before Starting the IMR program, 15 points rating scale was administered on patients (pre-IMRassessment) and after 9-month program implementation, the scale was again administered(post-IMR assessment) to evaluate the effectiveness of Illness management Program as a groupintervention. After each IMR session patients received sheets to work as homework assignmentsfrom the handouts. Patients received IMR program with, supportive, educational, motivationaland cognitive behavior interventions in group and individual sessions with practitioner. Datacollected was entered into and analyzed by using statistical package for the social science –seventeenth version (SPSS 17).Results:Out of the total 15 patients, 12 (80%) were male and 3(20%) were female. Age range 15 to 67 years with mean age was 37+8.5 years. Education statusof the patients revealed that all patients were educated; 04 (26.7%) had achieved education tothe graduation level; 04 (26.7%) were matriculate; 04 (26.7%) were primary passed; and 03(20%) were educated up to intermediate level. Patients with severe psychiatric illnesses werebipolar disorder 2(13.3%) cases, personality disorder 3(20%) cases, delusional disorder 1(6.7)case, schizophrenia 8(53.3%) cases and schizoaffective 1(6.7%) cases. Total number of WMR(Wellness management and recovery) session attended by each patient ranged from 30 to 62sessions. Results in 15 areas of assessment on the rating scale before the application of illnessmanagement and recovery sessions (Pre-IMR sessions) and after the application of sessions(Post-IMR sessions).Conclusion:Illness management and recovery program is an effective toolto bring about a significant improvement in several domains of life among patients sufferingfrom severe psychiatric illnesses.