| Learning Objective #1: Describe the multiple problems associated with non-adherence to intervention in psychosis | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Define an intervention using the LORS instrument in psychosis |
Objective Adherence to medications is a problem in medicine generally. However, adherence can be even more compromised in patients with psychotic illnesses because of poor insight and the potential for recovery that exists when taking medications as prescribed. For patients with psychotic illnesses, this poor insight makes successful collaborations in treatment more difficult and is an exceptionally troubling impediment to patients’ opportunities for successful treatment. At present, there are few cost-effective strategies to improve insight in psychosis. Therefore, we have developed the Levels of Recovery from Psychotic Illnesses Scale (LORS) as a teaching tool for patients with psychotic illnesses. The LORS is cited in the State of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Schizophrenia (1999) as an example of an educational tool that can be used with this population. It is designed to identify strengths and weaknesses in insight in order to provide the basis for an intervention to enhance and promote change Design A pilot study demonstrating the usefulness of the LORS was conducted from January 1999 to December 2000 at the Dr. John C. Corrigan Community Mental Health Center (CCMHC) in Fall River, Massachusetts with a total of 43 patients. The LORS and BASIS 32 were administered to individuals with psychotic illness. Results LORS scores were grouped according to the two factors and then correlated with the BASIS 32 scores as well as each other. Factor One and Factor Two were significantly correlated (.661) with each other but no significant correlation was found with any of the BASIS 32 scores.
Conclusion Preliminary data indicate 2 distinct factors with the LORS. While no correlation was found wit the Basis 32, additional data exists to support that most patients with psychotic illnesses tend to under-report their symptoms and could benefit from an intervention such as the LORS.
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