The handling of individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness by the justice system. / Wymiar sprawiedliwosci wobec osób z rozpoznaniem choroby psychicznej.

The source literature points to the increasing number of crimes committed by people with mental diseases. Based on international data, it is estimated that the incidence of mental disorders among inmates is increasing at a disproportionate rate in prisons around the world. It is estimated that even every fourth convict may have a diagnosis of mental illness. It is worth noting that repeat offence rates among mentally ill people are also higher than in the general population of repeat offenders. The repeat offence rate among offenders with a diagnosis of mental illness ranges from 60% to 80%. This paper is intended to describe the situation of people diagnosed with mental illness in Poland, with reference to the available statistical data and international research.

The specificity of the use of bibliotherapy as an element of psychiatric rehabilitation in a group of patients suffering from schizophrenia.

Purpose: This article emphasizes the characteristics of the application of bibliotherapy in psychiatric rehabilitation of people suffering from chronic schizophrenia. The role of the bibliotherapist and methodology for conducting bibliotherapy for people with chronic schizophrenia are also described. Views: The characteristic symptoms are connected to a patient's perception of the surrounding reality differing from the norm. This may be due to the symptoms of schizophrenia and its course, in which psychoticism can become a regulative part of a patient's personality. The academic definition of bibliotherapy proposed by Ewa Tomasik says that "bibliotherapy is an intentional activity that uses books or non-printed materials to fulfil rehabilitative, re-socializing, prophylactic and developmental aims for people from varying social backgrounds, in different age and with diverse needs". This article focuses on and discusses the structure and course of bibliotherapy sessions embedded in individual and group rehabilitation process. An additional goal is to explain bibliotherapy as an element of the entire system of rehabilitation and therapeutic interactions which has a therapeutic effect for this system, not only in terms of individual classes. Attention is paid to the narrative nature of bibliotherapy, in combination with behavioral-cognitive, humanistic and psychodynamic interactions. Conclusions: Bibliotherapy can help people suffering from chronic schizophrenia to organize their self-narrative and narratives about other people, to make them real and to organize their statements, so that the content and manner of thinking can be regulated.

Positive psychotherapy for psychosis - a new approach in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from schizophrenia. / Pozytywna Psychoterapia Psychoz ­ nowe podejscie w rehabilitacji pacjentów cierpiacych na schizofrenie.

This paper describes the positive psychotherapy for psychosis (PPP) - a new approach for psychiatric rehabilitation for patients with chronic schizophrenia. Unlike some traditional methods of psychotherapy, PPP focuses on positives rather than on problems. PPPwas shown in the context of other therapeutic approaches used in psychiatric rehabilitation and a mechanism of changes in the functioning and thinking of patients using this approach was described. PPP strengthens the patients'resources, including positive emotions, positive features of character, sense of life, positive relationships, and internal motivation. PPPdoes not suggest that other approaches are inappropriate and it is not intended to replace well-established treatments. A program of 13 PPP sessions adapted for patients with schizophrenia was also described. PPP sessions were divided into 3 thematic groups and according to the degree of difficulty: "the easiest" (savoring, positive things - sessions 1-4), "medium" (strong character traits, recognition of strengths in oneself, perceiving strengths in other people, positive communication - sessions 5-7) and "the most difficult" (bad vs. good memories, gratitude, forgiveness, hope, optimism and posttraumatic growth - sessions 8-13). The PPP has been introduced in the Day Care Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw. After 13 weeks, the initial observations were collected. They indicated that PPP can be successfully used in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Strengths in patients with schizophrenia and healthy people - similarities and differences. / Mocne strony osób chorych na schizofrenie i osób zdrowych ­ podobienstwa i róznice.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the character strengths of people with schizophrenia and their importance in building life satisfaction, and also to identify differences and similarities in the character strengths between people with schizophrenia and healthy people. METHODS: 40 people with diagnosed schizophrenia and 40 healthy people participated in the study. Each participant was examined with the following tools: Socio-Demographic Data Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), International Personality Item Pool - Values in Action (IPIP-VIA). RESULTS: People with schizophrenia achieved significantly lower scores than those in the control group in terms of such strengths of character like: hope, humor, self-regulation, citizenship, leadership, capacity for love, kindness, social/emotional intelligence, bravery, industry, integrity, zest, curiosity, love of learning, perspective/wisdom. People with schizophrenia are also different from healthy people in terms of experiencing life satisfaction. At the same time, they do not differ in such strengths of character as: originality, judgment, fairness, forgiveness/mercy, modesty/humility, prudence, appreciation for beauty, gratitude, spirituality. The character strengths of people in the clinical group (more often than in the control group) are associated with the sense of life satisfaction. In older people suffering from schizophrenia, many strengths of their character are reduced. CONCLUSIONS: People with schizophrenia are different from those in the control group in terms of 15 strengths. They are also less satisfied with their lives. Experiencing life satisfaction of people with schizophrenia is associated with a complex configuration of strengths.

Recovered memories in clinical practice - a research review. / Odzyskiwanie wspomnien w praktyce klinicznej ­ przeglad badan.

The problem of recovered memories concerns not only psychiatry, psychology or psychotherapy but it is also an important legal and judicial issue. Clinicians, scientists and lawyers are in unsolved dispute, called "memory wars", concerning the credibility of these memories, especially if they were recovered following specific therapeutic techniques or using self-help books. Many cases of recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse brought legal action against alleged offender. Investigations showed, however, that some of these memories were false. The aim of this article is to try to answer key questions concerning the issue if recovered memories: Is it possible not to remember traumatic experiences? In what conditions the autobiographical memories can be implanted? Is it possible to make a list of therapeutic techniques evoking false memories? What are the characteristics of a patient particularly vulnerable for false memories creation? Answers to the above questions are a ground for considerations concerning creation of favorable conditions for therapeutic work and minimizing mistakes resulting from the risk of implanting false memories.

Social networks and social functioning level among occupational therapy workshops and community-based support centers users. / Sieci spoleczne i poziom funkcjonowania spolecznego uczestników warsztatów terapii zajeciowej i srodowiskowych domów samopomocy ­ dwóch podstawowych placówek wsparcia dla osób chorujacych psychicznie.

OBJECTIVES: Community-Based Support Centers (CSC) and Occupational Therapy Workshops (OTW) have been functioning for over 20 years in Poland. However, the effectiveness of their rehabilitation programs as well as the users profile has not been examined yet. The aim of the study was to determine social functioning level and support network effectiveness of CSC and OTW users. METHODS: Research tools: GAS (Global Assessment Scale), social network and social support assessment, Social Functioning Scale, Sociodemographic Questionnaire. RESULTS: Results show that investigated groups (except for participants' age) show no significant differences in sociodemographic variables and illness profile. Significant differences were found in the aspect of number and quality of support networks and the functioning level. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzed support institutions have different aims and offer different support programs which show differences in support networks and social functioning level. It can result from that the goal of OTW is to activate its users and assist them with their reintegration into the labor market, whereas CSCs are oriented on users' current issues and hospitalization prevention. It is important to have knowledge of these specifics during referring a person to such service.

[The role of a psychiatrist in treatment and recovery process of persons suffering from schizophrenia]. / Lekarz psychiatra w procesie leczenia i zdrowienia osób chorych na schizofrenie.

OBJECTIVES: Research results indicate that possibility of building a therapeutic relationship in schizophrenia treatment facilitates better functioning, more effective reduction in psychotic symptoms and fulfillment of patients' personal goals. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients systematically cooperating with psychiatrists are more scrupulous in complying with doctors' orders and whether their social and clinical functioning is more effective, while compared to noncompliant patients. METHODS: 300 patients suffering from schizophrenia were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: experimental group including patients systematically cooperating with their doctors, and control group including non-cooperative patients. Data was collected during single interview with the use of the Questionnaire of Pharmacological Treatment Assessment, Life Satisfaction Scale, Emotions Control Scale, Life Orientation Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, The positive and negative syndrome scale for schizophrenia and Socio-demographic Questionnaire. RESULTS: While compared to non-cooperative patients, patients systematically cooperating with their psychiatrists were more compliant with treatment, had wider knowledge about their treatment and were more satisfied with its effects. They also demonstrated better social functioning, more frequent professional activity and better assessment of their lives in terms of being in control, optimism and life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that systematic cooperation with a doctor facilitates better functioning of patients with schizophrenia.

[Sense of coherence and ways of coping in the relationship with brother or sister in healthy siblings of mentally ill persons]. / Poczucie koherencji i sposoby radzenia sobie ze stresem w relacji z bratem lub siostra u zdrowego rodzenstwa osób chorych psychicznie.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate sense of coherence in healthy siblings of persons suffering from schizophrenia as well as their ways of coping in the relationship with ill brother or sister. METHODS: 40 healthy brothers and sisters of persons with ICD- 10 diagnosis of F20 to F29 participated in the present study. Orientation to Life Scale (SOC- 29) was used to assess sense of coherence and Ways of Coping with Stress questionnaire (SRSS) was used to examine stress coping strategies. RESULTS: Mean global score of siblings of persons with schizophrenia was 111 points. Subjects used coping strategies focused on problem significantly more often than those focused on emotions. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic work with healthy siblings should focus on strengthening sense of personal competence, development of personal resources and different ways of coping with stress, investigation of emotions that healthy siblings experience in the relationship with ill brother or sister as well as supporting the process of accepting changes in the relationship with the ill sibling.

[Significance of psychiatrists' personal variables in treatment of persons suffering from schizophrenia]. / Znaczenie zmiennych osobowych psychiatrów w leczeniu osób chorych na schizofrenie

AIM: The aim of the study is to investigate the significance of psychiatrists' personal variables in treatment and functioning of persons suffering from schizophrenia. METHODS: 150 patients with schizophrenia indicated by 30 psychiatrists were included in the study. Data was collected during single interview with the use of Dyadic Questionnaire of the Therapist-Patient Relationship, Questionnaire of Pharmacological Treatment Assessment, Life Satisfaction Scale, Emotion Control Scale, Life Orientation Test, Overall Self-Efficacy Scale, Social Functioning Scale and Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Stepwise regression was used to determine the psychiatrist's related variables which explain variables associated with a patient. RESULTS: Psychiatrists' personal variables explained up to 20% of variance in social functioning of the patients with schizophrenia. Variables describing psychiatrists were most significant in explaining assessment of psychiatrist's professionalism and rejection of a psychiatrist by a patient. The abilities to identify medication symptoms and adherence to pharmacotherapy were only slightly explained by patient - psychiatrist collaboration length. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that psychiatrists' personal characteristics are significant for the development of the relationship between persons with schizophrenia and their psychiatrists.

[Gender-related differences in social support program for mentally ill persons]. / "Gender differences" w programie wsparcia spolecznego dla osób chorujacych psychicznie.

AIM: The current study is a part of a research program on schizophrenia course in the system of community based assistance and support for mentally ill persons who do not use regular mental health system. The aim of this study was to investigate both the accessibility of the system for gender populations and its applicability in terms of addressing the needs of both males and females. METHOD: 105 subjects (46 males and 59 females) using home care services in three Warsaw districts were included in the study. The following domains of the functioning were assessed: the scope, content and efficiency of the social networks as well as social functioning of home care services users. RESULTS: Males and females differed significantly with regard to several attributes of social networks as well as social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing to males, females had greater opportunity to receive support from more distant categories of persons constituting their social networks. The differences in social functioning of males and females were limited only to stereotypical gender roles and were not noted in other areas of social functioning.

[Sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with dual diagnosis living in Warsaw district Mokotow in comparison with participants in other European countries--results of the international, multicentre research project ISADORA]. / Profil spoleczno-demograficzny i kliniczny pacjentów z podwójna diagnoza mieszkajacych w warszawskiej dzielnicy mokotów na tle badanych w innych miastach europejskich--wyniki wieloosrodkowego, miedzynarodowego programu badawczego ISADORA.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare socio-demographic and clinical profile of the inpatients with dual diagnosis in Warsaw with the profile of inpatients treated in other European centres. METHOD: 50 patients consecutively admitted in Warsaw were included in the study; total number of patients recruited from 7 European centers was 352. Recruitment was conducted in general inpatient psychiatric departments and specialized dual diagnosis inpatient wards. Data was collected during single interview with the use of M.I.N.I and EuropAsi questionnaires. RESULTS: Both in Warsaw and overall study population males constituted almost 2/3 of the group. Patients in Warsaw were more frequently living with relatives or other close persons as well as remained in intimate relationships in comparison to patients from other study sites. Depression was the most common diagnosis in Warsaw and it was significantly more often found it this center than in Tampere. Moreover, patients in the Warsaw group were significantly less frequently diagnosed with cannabis use disorder and more frequently - with tranquillizers use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The differences among sites regarding socio- demographic and clinical profiles of dual diagnosis patients were due to both socio-cultural factors (e.g. psychoactive substances accessibility) and the research methodology.

[Home care services as a social network compensation of the mentally ill]. / Specjalistyczne uslugi opiekuncze jako instrument kompensowania sieci spolecznych osób chorych psychicznie.

AIM: Research undertaken in order to assess possibilities of social network compensation amongst population supported with home care services adjusted to mentally ill needs. Analysis included scope of support functions, number of networks and its quality. METHOD: The study group consisted of 105 mentally ill persons participating in home care services program. Research tools used were as follows: sociodemographic questionnaire (prepared for the research purposes). Bizon's Map and Social Network Questionnare, Bizon's Social Support Inventory. RESULTS: Results show therapists participating in the home care services program as the basic category that composes networks indicated by respondents. Therapists significantly compensate sparse social support networks of the respondents. It can be assumed as a positive influence due to social functioning, feeling of secure and coping abilities of persons supported by home services. DISCUSSION: Benefits noted in compensation home care participants lead to another research question. Further research should considerate an issue of major participation of professionals as a specific block to involve those who constitute natural support resources, e.g., family members or neighbours into the networks.

[The characteristic of population participating in a community-based rehabilitation program]. / Charakterystyka populacji objetej srodowiskowym systemem rehabilitacji i wsparcia spolecznego.

AIM: The difficulties in social functioning of the mentally ill are widely documented in specialist literature. The social affects addressed to the mentally disabled are an attempt to overcome this particular disability. The aim of the presented research is the characterization of the social group participating in a community-based rehabilitation program realized on Warsaw area. METHOD: 103 long-term patients with mental disorders provided with a community-based rehabilitation program were the participants in the study. They were not hospitalized at the time when the research was conducted. The following instruments were used: the Questionnaire and Map of Social Support by Bizon, the individual interview, and the questionnaire especially prepared for the needs of this research. RESULTS: The studied group consists of people with a long-standing period of illness, with numerous hospitalizations, constantly remaining under psychiatric care. The tested persons are singles and demanding a strong social support. Their individual social networks of support are sparse and in a large part compensated by therapists from the support institution. The tested group highly values the influence of the local rehabilitation program on their functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The chronically mental ill persons show numerous difficulties in their social functioning. Participation in the social support programs protects them against successive hospitalizations. During the last year, preceding the research, the amount of hospitalizations was significantly lower than in the period preceding the taking care by the local systems. It is necessary to treat the local rehabilitation programs as an effective mechanism supporting the functioning of the chronically mental ill people.

[The meaning of the consulting trade place in breaking through mental illness]. / Znaczenie punktu konsultacyjnego doradztwa zawodowego w przelamywaniu niepelnosprawnosci psychicznej.

AIM: The aim of this article is to show the effects of the Consulting Trade Place for people seeking employment "On the way to work", which exists thanks to the KRKA company. The aim of the trade place is the stimulation of mentally ill people in social life, through giving them the ability to work. RESULTS: Throughout the year, 215 people enrolled, especially schizophrenic patients. Almost half of them received information about where they could work or where one could find informations about it. Getting the job, or even the hope to get it, awakes resources which where put aside by the long period of illness. People who get a job, stress the satisfaction of "being someone useful", "being someone important and valuable", "being accepted by the society". The willingness to live increases and so does faith in normal functioning. The persons studied said, that they once again become the integral part of society, no more are they the margin of society. They once again became necessary and useful. The relevant part of this change was an improvement of their financial situation, and by implication, the improvement of the family relations. Their poor net of social relations got widened with new people, and often with new friendships. CONCLUSION: Summing up, the first year of the consulting trade place activity, we have to say that it is a new, and original method of helping mentally ill persons, who are trying to overcome the existing disability. It is also an initiative fitted to the needs and abilities of the chronically mentally ill, who have just left the mental hospital.

[Comparison of the coping styles among schizophrenic patients, dependent patients and patients with a dual diagnosis]. / Podobienstwa i róznice w stylu radzenia sobie ze stresem pomiedzy chorymi na schizofrenie, uzaleznionymi, a osobami z podwójnym rozpoznaniem.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to compare the level of the coping styles among patients suffering from schizophrenia to schizophrenic patients who use drug and alcohol and alcohol and drug dependent patients. The second question referred to the possibilities of changes in the patients with a dual diagnosis style of handling difficult situations after they have participated in the social skills training. METHOD: 30 schizophrenic patients in the group I, 30 schizophrenic patients who use drug and alcohol--group II, and group III--alcohol and drug dependent subjects. Each of the subjects was evaluated twice: at the beginning of the Social Skills Training and 32 weeks after. The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations by Endler and Parker, in the Polish adaptation by Szczepaniak, Strelau and Wrzesniewski was used to measure coping styles. A sociodemographic questionnaire by Sawicka, Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms (PANSS) by Kay, Fiszbein and Opler, as well as the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test by Seltz ML were applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Persons with a dual diagnosis relatively often use task-orientated and emotional style of coping with stressful situations, similarly to dependent persons. Results of the study do not definitely indicate that participation in the cycle of social skills training influences the changes in preferable stress coping styles. However, it is an indisputable fact the percentage of persons with a dual diagnosis who use alcohol and psychoactive substances decreased to 36.7% after they have completed the cycle of trainings.

[Why schizophrenic patients use psychoactive substances?]. / Dlaczego osoby chore na schizofrenie zazywaja srodki psychoaktywne?

In the article the problems of prevalence of schizophrenic disorders and comorbidity with psychoactive substances such as drugs and alcohol were presented. This review summarizes the recent literature concerning: personality, schizophrenia and coming to decision to use psychoactive substances such as drugs and alcohol.