Long term groups of patients with psychosis: physical activity and medical treatment

Long term group work with outpatients with psychosis who attended groups in the last ten years was evaluated regarding their physical activity, quality of life and medication treatment.

Outpatients with psychosis who attended long term psychotherapeutic groups were evaluated regarding their medication, quality of life and physical activity. A modified, non-structured, psychoanalytic group technique which includes psycho education, cognitive techniques, non-structural conversation and clarifications was used in group therapy. For evaluation purposes Quality of life Bref and a self-designed physical activity questionnaire along with clinical observation and Drug Attitude Inventory was used. Each patient's medication was noted at the time of the study and the dosage was transformed into chlorpromazine equivalents.

Several therapeutic group factors are important for improving attitudes towards physical activity, improving quality of life and attitude towards medication. The physical activity questionnaire gave us some preliminary information on our patients' current physical activity. We explore the patients' Quality of life, medication and attitude towards physical activity.

The results show that there is a relevant correlation between physical activity, quality of life and medication treatment. Therefore treatment in a team setting and a multidisciplinary approach could lead to the best results in this respect and better physical health of patients with psychosis.