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

BACKGROUND: 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.

AIMS: 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.

METHOD: 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.

RESULT: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.