Psychiatric rehabilitation. An open-network orientation.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the difficulties encountered in providing rehabilitation to multi-problematic clients, and possible remedies.


METHODS
The principles of psychiatric rehabilitation are outlined in the frame of the bio-psycho-social model and in the light of long-term follow-up studies. The limits of professional services and the importance of natural networks for successful rehabilitation and social adjustment are highlighted.


RESULTS
Worker cooperatives and consumer self-help associations seem to successfully complement health and social services in meeting the complex needs of this population.


CONCLUSIONS
The integration of formal and informal networks of care is a major challenge and a relatively neglected, but important area of interest in contemporary psychiatric rehabilitation.
Burti
Lorenzo
L
Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona. lorenzo.burti@univr.it
Guerriero
Ernesto
E
D019058:Community Networks; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012917:Social Adjustment