Abstract
Needs of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) must be understood in order to promote recovery. This study examined
the needs of 206 individuals with SMI and compared their perceptions with those of their professional caregivers. Needs were
reported in the areas of accommodations, psychotic symptoms, daytime activity, intimate relationships, and psychological distress.
Caregivers reported more met needs, while individuals themselves reported more unmet needs. Results suggest that in order
to promote recovery, services for persons with SMI should be developed in accordance with patients’ most prominent needs,
specifically in the social and personal areas of intimate and sexual relationships.
the needs of 206 individuals with SMI and compared their perceptions with those of their professional caregivers. Needs were
reported in the areas of accommodations, psychotic symptoms, daytime activity, intimate relationships, and psychological distress.
Caregivers reported more met needs, while individuals themselves reported more unmet needs. Results suggest that in order
to promote recovery, services for persons with SMI should be developed in accordance with patients’ most prominent needs,
specifically in the social and personal areas of intimate and sexual relationships.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9478-6
- Authors
- Shirli Werner, Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91905 Mount Scopus, Israel
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853