Abstract:

This is the first part of a two-part article describing a clinical therapeutic intervention planned and organised by a senior occupational therapist and mental health nursing staff for clients with diagnoses of severe and enduring mental health problems. The six participants had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder or bipolar illness. Four were receiving the atypical antipsychotic medication, Clozapine. One was receiving Olanzapine, also atypical, and the last was receiving traditional antipsychotic medication. These clients were all receiving long-term support from the mental health rehabilitation unit. Participation was voluntary and each client gave written consent to participation and publication later. The aims and objectives of the initial group, the selection criteria and the content and process of the group over a period of 6 weeks are described. The subsequent group, also held for 6 weeks, will be described in part 2, together with a brief overview of the further groups that have taken place since. The evaluation methods of the first group were the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) together with verbal and written evaluation. The BAI and the STAI were not repeated in the second group and the rationale for this is explained. The perceived benefits to clients are illustrated with two brief case vignettes. The benefits to other clients are also mentioned, together with the perceived drawbacks. The article concludes with the plans for the second group.