SY02-3 * A MODEL OF INTERVENTION OF HOSPITALIZED ALCOHOL DEPENDANT PATIENTS IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRY WARD IN INDIA

Abstract

The Department of Psychiatry, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital has a 60 bedded Psychiatry ward, out of which eight beds are marked for Alcohol Dependant patients. The length of stay is three to four weeks. All patients are admitted along with a care giver preferably a close family member. After the initial phase of management of withdrawal symptoms for three to four days, patients along with the care giver are involved in group counselling by a Psychiatric Social Worker. Three days a week the patients are taught Yogic exercises by a Yoga teacher. The sessions begin with Meditation, Pranayama, Kapalbhati. This is followed by Yogic postures or Asanas in three phases. The first phase consists of Mudras aimed at strengthening the limbs and improving bowel movement. Asanas of the second phase consists of postures aimed at improving the functions of the internal organs and concentration. In the third phase too Asanas are aimed at function of the inetrnal organs ( particularly Hepato-Biliary system), the Spine and the Surya- Namaskar a combination of postures aiming at harmony of all the systems of the body. Every session ends with the Shavasana, a relaxation exercise.