Changes to psychosocial functioning as demonstrated by the patients diagnosed with schizophrenia covered by the psychiatric rehabilitation system.

AIM The objective of the research was to compare the self-image characteristics, stress coping strategies and the intensification of anxiety in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia before and after the rehabilitation programme. METHODS The examined group was made up of 32 patients exclusively with the medical diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to the ICD-10 criteria. The mean age of the patients was 35 years, the average time of illness was 12 years. The patients were examined twice (at the admission to the psychiatric rehabilitation department and at the discharge from the department) with the following psychological tests: the Adjective Check List, the Stress Coping Questionnaire and the Self-Analysis Form by Cattell. The socio-demographic data of the patients were determined on the basis of the Socio-demographic Questionnaire designed by the authors. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found as regards the characteristics of self-image, stress coping strategies and the intensity of anxiety in patients before and after psychiatric rehabilitation programme. CONCLUSIONS 1. Following the rehabilitation programme the examined group of patients have a lower level of fear and anxiety, a more positive self-image, higher self-esteem, they better cope with stress and tasks and are more willing to establish interpersonal relationships as compared to the situation prior to the rehabilitation programme. 2. Following the rehabilitation programme the examined patients, while in a stressful situation, less frequently isolate themselves, concentrate on suffering experienced by them and react with the sense of helplessness and hopelessness.