Preliminary results from a psychoeducational program to rehabilitate chronic patients.

Twenty-two chronic psychiatric patients enrolled in a psychoeducational rehabilitation program were assessed before and after the program to determine whether participation decreased severity of psychopathology and improved community functioning and quality of life. The program consisted of five 14-week modules that provided training in five skill areas: medication and symptom self-management, coping with anxiety and depression, social skills, living skills, and leisure skills. Most patients experienced significantly reduced psychopathology and negative symptoms and improved quality of life and community functioning. The program appears helpful to clients, and a controlled trial to further evaluate its effects is underway.