Reduced relapse rate in severe mental illness due to monitoring in the mental health center

Introduction. The integrative monitoring of patients with severe mental illness can significantly influence relapse and hospitalization rates. Methodology. A retrospective study was conducted at the “Dr. Gheorghe Preda” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry in Sibiu, Romania, over a five-year period (2019-2023), comparing the impact of monitoring in the adult mental health center (MHC) with that of the specialized outpatient clinic. Adult patients with psychotic, affective and cognitive disorders were included. Results. The hospitalization rate was 30% for patients monitored in the MHC, compared to 45% in the outpatient clinic. The proportion of involuntary hospitalizations was significantly lower in the mental health center (13.7% versus 20.6%; p=0.0088). These differences were explained by the multidisciplinary approach, home visits, psychoeducation, and socio-professional reintegration activities provided in the MHC. Conclusions. Community-based monitoring in the mental health centers reduces relapses and involuntary hospitalizations in patients with severe mental illness. Incorporating social factors and fostering a non-stigmatizing attitude among mental health professionals are crucial for rehabilitation success.