Personal and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia.

AIM OF THE PAPER To monitor personal and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia and to find out the difference regarding sociodemographic characteristics and out-patient or day hospital treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The investigation included 120 subjects divided into two groups of 60 patients each with a diagnosis F20 according to MKD 10 criteria. Patients from the first group received out-patient care whereas those from the second group had day hospital treatment. Patients were of different age and gender, receiving regular antipsychotic therapy. They were included in individual and group psychosocial therapeutic procedures during the day hospital treatment. The investigation utilized the following diagnostic instruments: standardized clinical interview and PSP scale, Personal and social performance scale, Morosini, Magliano et al. 2000, and a non-standardized questionnaire of sociodemographic data, family support and existence of mental disorder in other family members. RESULTS The results obtained have shown better personal and social functioning in patients who had family support, in those who are employed, in those with no mental disorder in other family members and in patients on day hospital treatment as opposed to patients receiving out-patient care. CONCLUSION Day hospital psychosocial therapeutic treatment in combination with regular antipsychotic therapy, family and social support helps in more rapid reintegration and resocialization and a better quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.