Contributions of therapeutic follow-up in care for patients with mental disorders

Abstract

The psychiatric reform allowed for transformations in mental health care and therapeutic accompaniment (TA) is part of these transformations. Its theoretical bases are increasingly solid and its practice accepted because it fills the gaps left by traditional psychiatric treatments. This study aimed to point and to discuss the contribution of TA in psychosocial care and rehabilitation of patients with mental disorders. Therefore, a multi-professional team from a Psychosocial Care Center of Ribeirão Preto-SP, in 2007, chose one female user, with whom sixteen TA meetings were held. The contents of these meetings were analyzed by means of the qualitative method. Results showed a very positive contribution of TA, such as: recovery of self esteem and daily activities; healthier experiences in family and social life and the creation of moments of confrontation between the mental state and reality, which allowed behavioral modification and improved quality of life. Thus, it could be considered that TA is another treatment mode to contribute to psychosocial care and rehabilitation of patients with mental disorder and can be included in therapeutic planning of mental health services and care, inserted in the psychiatric reform context.

Descriptors: Patiente escort service; Alternative therapies; Psychiatric nursing.