SEVERE PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES

EFFECTIVENESS OF ILLNESS MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY PROGRAM AS A GROUP INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS SUFFERING

Abstract

Objectives:To find out the effectiveness of “Illness management and Recovery
(IMR)” program as a group intervention for improving daily functioning of clients suffering from
severe psychiatric illnesses.Setting:The Recovery House, a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
in Karachi, Pakistan. Period:Dec 2012 to Sep 2013.Methodology:Fifteen(15) patients were
enrolled in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, one group with 7 patients
and the second with 8 patients. Informed consent was obtained from the patients and their
family. 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-IMR
assessment) and after 9-month program implementation, the scale was again administered
(post-IMR assessment) to evaluate the effectiveness of Illness management Program as a group
intervention. After each IMR session patients received sheets to work as homework assignments
from the handouts. Patients received IMR program with, supportive, educational, motivational
and cognitive behavior interventions in group and individual sessions with practitioner. Data
collected 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 status
of the patients revealed that all patients were educated; 04 (26.7%) had achieved education to
the 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 were
bipolar 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 62
sessions. Results in 15 areas of assessment on the rating scale before the application of illness
management and recovery sessions (Pre-IMR sessions) and after the application of sessions
(Post-IMR sessions).Conclusion:Illness management and recovery program is an effective tool
to bring about a significant improvement in several domains of life among patients suffering
from severe psychiatric illnesses.