Abstract

AMEZQUITA MEDINA, María Eugenia; GONZALEZ PEREZ, Rosa Elena  and  ZULUAGA MEJIA, Diego. LITHIUM CLINIC: AN EXPERIENCE OF 7 YEARS. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 1999, vol.28, n.3, pp.205-218. ISSN 0034-7450.

Evaluation of eficiency and effectiveness of multidisciplinary and psychoeducational program "Lithium Clinic". after seven years of activities (1988-1995). 95 patients participated, 50 still active and 45 who abandoned during the course of the program. From the first group, an equal number of relatives was evaluated. The study was descriptive and experimental. Instruments used: A survey for the patient and one for the family, showing the patient's satisfaction with the program; a questionary about feelings; a test of knowledge about the disease and its treatment; clinical history and protocol of control. All were validated. Results showed that patients improved and showed an important decrease in the number, intensity and duration of their episodes. Social and family Ufe ameliorated as well as attitudes of the patient and their families toward the disease. 87% of the patients were satisfied with the program.

Keywords : Affective Disorders; Lithium Carbonate; Self-Help Groups.

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