Manic depressive psychosis: an alternative therapeutic model of nursing

Traditionally, the approach to affective disorders has focused upon the biophysical aetiology of the disorder. Given that a significant proportion of the so called 'recovered' manic depressive population experience a relapse, the adequacy of traditional treatment methods is questionable. The nursing literature represents the view that manic depressive patients have little, if any, control over their condition and the nursing management, therefore, is predominantly custodial, supportive and directive in character. Recent research suggests that life events, in particular the patient's perception and interpretation of such events, are potentially significant in the development of manic depressive symptomatology. This paper reports some aspects of an on-going nursing research project which is evaluating the efficacy of a multi-model nursing management package. The therapeutic model of nursing under study is briefly discussed and results of locus of control measurements are presented, which compare a random sample of recovered manic depressive women with existing norms. A description is also given of an attribution schedule developed by the authors for the research project. This schedule attempts to specifically assess the patient's attitudes towards her control of her illness.