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Biomedical subjects

R M Friedrich

Publications and source records attributed to R M Friedrich.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Family and client perspectives on alternative residential settings for persons with severe mental illness.

OBJECTIVE: The housing preferences of persons with severe mental illness living in three types of community residences were examined, as were their perceptions of problems in these settings and the relationships between clients' and family members' housing preferences and perceptions of problems. METHODS: A closed-ended questionnaire was developed to gather demographic and diagnostic data and information about housing preferences and seven categories of service-related problems. It was completed by clients who lived in group settings with 24-hour on-site staff, in supported housing with on-site visits by staff, and in homes or apartments with no on-site professional services. Questionnaires were returned by 129 family members and 180 clients. RESULTS: Clients who lived in group settings were significantly more likely to be older, less educated, unemployed, and diagnosed as having schizophrenia than clients in other settings. Although a larger proportion of family members than clients preferred housing with more support, for both families and clients a statistically significant association was found between current and preferred residence. A strong and significant correlation was found between clients' and family members' perceptions of problems, which included stress on the family and clients' social isolation and relapse to illness. For clients who lived independently, a significantly greater proportion of both clients and families reported that social isolation was a problem. CONCLUSIONS: Although supported housing works well for some individuals, a continued need exists for an array of housing with varying levels of structure. The results suggest that clients and families identify the same problems as priorities.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Well siblings living with schizophrenia. Impact of associated behaviors.

As a result of the ongoing hallucinations and delusions, life at home became "anxious and chaotic" with "lots of stress." Because there was no on-site crisis intervention by professionals, well siblings were sometimes called upon to control the violent behavior and were vigilant and fearful regarding the potential for abuse. Negative symptoms were the most disturbing to well siblings. Siblings need help to understand that social isolation and lack of motivation are symptoms of the illness--not due to "laziness."

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Cognitive impairments in early sobriety: nursing interventions.

In the United States, more than 100,000 people are treated in inpatient treatment centers for alcoholism and other forms of mind-altering drug addictions. One of the most important elements of this treatment is education about the disease process, recovery, and the effects of the drugs on the body, mind, and spirit. Unfortunately, many alcoholics experience cognitive impairment that may impede their learning in the early weeks of recovery. After briefly describing how cognitive impairment may manifest itself in many alcoholic patients in early recovery, and listing some of the possible causes of this impairment, the authors provide several nursing interventions designed to enhance the learning process in early alcoholic recovery.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1985

Teaching communication skills in an integrated curriculum.

During the seven weeks students showed growth in empathic responding. In addition, many students were able to move beyond beginning empathy to identifying underlying feelings experienced by the patient. Progress in concreteness was noted as irrelevant questioning decreased and selective, open-ended questioning increased. There seemed to be a positive correlation between self-awareness and growth in communication skills. Initially, use of behaviorally specific feedback helped the students identify strengths and weaknesses. As the sessions progressed, students became more independent in critiquing their own interpersonal style. For example, one student identified her abrasive manner in a taped interaction and recognized her need to maintain control. She modified her approach and became more caring and empathic. Initially, Stage II skills were difficult for the students. Some students who expected to see change occur quickly, became impatient with relationship building, and used challenging skills prematurely. Other students had difficulty taking the risk to challenge the patient to focus on problem exploration. Role playing in the training sessions and faculty feedback in the clinical settings helped the students begin to use skills more appropriately. Observing the positive effects on patient behavior reinforced continued use. Students and faculty were enthusiastic about the workshop format and outcome. Student reactions reinforced the value of the systematic approach. Through verbal and written evaluations they identified the small group practice and clinical audiotaping as the most valuable activities. Many liked being able to practice and receive immediate feedback from their peers and instructors. Faculty found that the four components-description, demonstration, practice and application-provided direction for teaching.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Communication↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sibling perception of schizophrenia: impact on relationships, roles, and health.

This descriptive field study examined the impact of schizophrenia on 30 adult siblings of patients with schizophrenia. Sibling perceptions of impact on roles, relationships, and health were investigated. Findings revealed that schizophrenia brings about changes in all relationships, but the relationship most affected was that with the ill sibling. Participants experienced grief over loss of the sibling and had difficulty maintaining the relationship. Leisure activities were influenced, as were school and work performance. A significant relationship between health and impact was found. The results of this study provide a basis for developing sibling-specific interventions.

Adult↗