Individualized rehabilitation program for a schizophrenic patient: A case report

Abstract

Impaired functioning in schizophrenic patients and symptoms like social isolation and unwillingness to interact with others and drug side effects affect their quality of life. Therefore, the participation of schizophrenic patients in rehabilitation processes and activity programs is very important. In this case report, the problems and needs of a patient who was reluctant to join the activity program in the community mental health center were analyzed, and within the context of a family-specific, individually planned rehabilitation program, behavioral techniques were predominantly applied. When the 6-month period was evaluated, the patient's functioning and quality of life level had increased, his symptoms had decreased, and he had a greater level of participation in activities. From this case report, it can be concluded that it is beneficial to implement individual rehabilitation programs for chronic mental illness patients and to apply behavioral therapy methods. Moreover, specialist psychiatric nurses should take a more active role in rehabilitation and counselling programs.