Psychiatric rehabilitation patients’ attitude towards schizophrenia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Every illness is a kind of life experience for people. They take a certain attitude towards their condition which is expressed in a way they evaluate it, react to it or simply what they know about it. Due to the long-term course of the illness and negative social context, schizophrenia may be a very difficult experience that is often denied by the patients. In these cases, subjectivity is a crucial factor that has an influence on many aspects of life (private, professional, social). It also determines patient’s willingness to start treatment. The aim of the study was to define the influence psychiatric rehabilitation performed at inpatient units has on patients’ attitude towards the illness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 35 patients took part in the survey. All of them were diagnosed with schizophrenia, undergone treatments at inpatient psychiatric units and participated in three-month periods of rehabilitation for the first time. The study was carried out using a diagnostic poll method and a questionnaire. Patients were examined by the “My Experience of Illness” scale. The results were analysed statistically.

RESULTS: The results of the study, in which analytical methods were applied, show that psychiatric rehabilitation proved to have a positive influence on patients’ general attitude towards schizophrenia and its dimensions. Significant changes were apparent in relation to isolation and integration of experience. The number of people isolating their illness was significantly lower while at the same time more patients attempted to integrate their experience.

CONCLUSION: Psychiatric rehabilitation that is performed gradually enhances patients’ integration of schizophrenia.