Changes during hospital treatment in patients with SMI

Abstract

Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with low levels of functioning, severe symptomatology, and low levels of physical activity and quality of life. This study explores changes in these variables during hospital treatment in a sample with SMI. Participants were 11 patients with SMI who completed assessments at admission and discharge from hospital. Changes with regard to physical activity levels, global functioning, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life during treatment were investigated with non-parametric tests for related samples. Participants achieved higher functional status and experienced reduced depression during treatment. There was a trend of increased quality of life during treatment, but no changes were detected on other measures. Physical activity levels were unchanged from admission to discharge. Efforts to increase physical activity levels among patients with SMI should have a long-term perspective, as significant changes may not occur during hospital treatment