Peer-led and professional-led group interventions for people with co-occurring disorders: a qualitative study.
This pilot study evaluated the experience of people with co-occurring disorders (mental illness and addiction) in relation to peer-led and professional-led group interventions. The study used a qualitative (phenomenological) approach to evaluate the experience of a convenience sample of 6 individuals with co-occurring disorders who participated in up to 8 sessions each of both peer-led and professional-led group interventions (with a similar rate of attendance in both groups). The semi-structured interview data were coded and thematically analyzed. We found 5 themes within and across the 2 interventions. In both groups, participants experienced a positive environment and personal growth, and learned, albeit different things. They were more comfortable in the peer-led group and acquired more knowledge and skills in the professional-led group. Offering both peer-led and professional-led group interventions to people with co-occurring disorders may be better than offering either alone.
Department of Psychiatry, Regional Mental Health Care, The University of Western Ontario, 850 Highbury Avenue, London, ON, N6A 4H1, Canada.
Luljeta
L
Pallaveshi
Krishna
K
Balachandra
Priya
P
Subramanian
Abraham
A
Rudnick
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult