Peer-counseling in schizophrenia: patients consult patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether peer-counseling, common in non-psychiatric medical fields, is feasible and useful for inpatients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
The participants of a one-to-one peer-counseling were given the opportunity to present all questions related to their illness to a peer-counselor, who had himself been living with a schizoaffective disorder for over 20 years. The peer-counseling was evaluated by the participants (STEPP-questionnaire), by the counselor (structured protocol) and by a physician (supervision). Descriptive methods were used for statistical analyses.


RESULTS
Eighty-eight patients (mean age 37 years, 35% female, hospitalized for 5 weeks) took part. The main topics addressed were 'symptoms of schizophrenia'; main suggestions were 'taking medication for symptom control and relapse prevention', 'having patience' and providing 'emotional support'. The mean ratings in the STEPP-subscales were: relationship-perspective 18.6 out of 21, problem-solving 19.8 out of 28, clarification-perspective 24.9 out of 35. Ninety-six percent of the participants would recommend this peer-counseling to others.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this pilot-study show that peer-counseling is feasible in schizophrenia. The peer-counselor was able to answer the questions adequately; patients felt well understood and obtained support and encouragement.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that peer-counseling is a potentially useful, additional tool for inpatients with schizophrenia as it appears to meet as yet unattended needs.
Rummel-Kluge
Christine
C
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Germany. christine.rummel@lrz.tum.de
Stiegler-Kotzor
Michaela
M
Schwarz
Christian
C
Hansen
Wulf-Peter
WP
Kissling
Werner
W
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires