Individualized Occupational Therapy in Severe Mental Illness-A Recovery Model Approach from a Tertiary care Centre in...

The Recovery Model for mental illness explores a broad range of domains for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) which is not merely the absence from illness but attaining self-sufficiency. The individualized occupational therapy intervention which is part of the recovery model approach includes any or a combination of trainings like Social Skills training, Vocational training, Assertiveness training, Anger Management training, Life Skills training, Stress Management, Study Skills training, Cognitive retraining and Anxiety management.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness in terms of functioning of individuals with (SMI) who had undergone individualized OT intervention.

Patients who had undergone individualized OT intervention were evaluated at designated time points i.e. at discharge, at 3 months and further at 6 months. The outcome measure of functional capacity was scored using the Global Assessment of Functioning instrument.

A total of 31 patients were sampled. The diagnosis of Schizophrenia was seen in 77.4% (n-24) of the sample, Bipolar Affective Disorder in 12.9% (n-4) and Schizoaffective Disorder 9.7% (n-3). The mean GAF for the sample showed improvement and the increment in GAF was maintained on follow up.

In services with limited skilled human resources and where community-based services are not established, culturally adapted interventions with individualized OT interventions can ensure positive gains in terms of socio-occupational functioning.