Functional Impact of a Psychosocial and Functional Rehabilitation Intervention in Colombian Patients with Severe Mental Illness and Related Factors.

Author(s): Martha P Saavedra, Ana M Córdoba, Diana C Zamora, Jairo M González-Diaz, Rodrigo N Córdoba.

Introduction: Serious mental illness (SMI) is characterized by disorders that cause severe dysfunction in daily life, affecting autonomy and social interaction. Its origins are complex and often lead to frequent hospitalizations. Previously considered incurable, recent research shows that up to 25% of patients can fully recover, and 40-45% can achieve social independence with appropriate interventions. Objective: Assess the impact of the interventions of the "Established Mental Disorder Program - EMD-P" on clinical severity, functionality, hospital resource usage, and treatment adherence. Methods: A longitudinal, naturalistic, single-arm study was conducted with patients attending the EMD-P of the Nervous System Research Center (Grupo Cisne) in Bogotá, Colombia. All subjects were evaluated by a psychiatrist at the institution between July 2012 and December 2022, and interdisciplinary interventions were performed for 52 weeks. Patients included had diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, depression disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Results: A statistically significant decrease in Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores was observed, with a median decrease from 4 (IQR=5) to 3 (IQR=5) (Wilcoxon test; Z=-6.674; p<0.001). Additionally, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores improved significantly by 10 points, from a median of 55 (IQR=50) to 65 (IQR=50) (Wilcoxon test; Z=-7.306; p<0.001). Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scores also showed a significant improvement, with a median increase from 51 (IQR=45) to 66.5 (IQR=60) (Wilcoxon test; Z=-7.370; p<0.001). Conclusions: Patients with severe mental disorders benefit from interdisciplinary interventions, demonstrating improved clinical severity, functionality, reduced hospital resource usage, and better adherence to pharmacological treatment.