The relationships between need profiles, clinical symptoms, functioning and the well-being of inpatients with severe mental disorders

Background: This study aimed to examine the subjective needs and their relationship with clinical symptoms, functioning and well-being of hospitalized patients with severe mental disorders. Methods: Using the Camberwell Assessment of Need, we surveyed 52 consecutive voluntarily readmitted inpatients aged 18-65 years fulfilling the ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Current levels of clinical symptoms, functioning and well-being were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Global Life Functioning inventory and the General Health Questionnaire, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficients and t-test comparisons were performed to examine the relationships between the parameters of interest. Results: The basic needs of inpatients in food and accommodation were met in a greater extent than social needs ('sexual expression' and 'intimate relationships') and informational needs ('information on condition and treatment'). Patients' unmet needs were associated with current symptomatology severity rather than with the course of disorder. Conclusion: In any course of illness, services must help patients in solution of their problem (met their needs) immediately after clinical improvement or alleviation of psychiatric symptoms.