Addiction Psychiatry

Biography

Dr. Racionero-Plaza obtained her  joint PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA), with the specialties including social interaction, learning, and cognition. She is research member of the Community of Researchers on Excellence for All (CREA). At present, she is Ramón y Cajal fellow, contributing to a research line in the fields of psychology and neuroscience about the role of quality human relationships on mental health, with a focus on the preventive socialization of gender violence among youth. She is head of the Department of Psychology at Universidad Loyola Andalucía and member of the Human Neuroscience Lab at the same university

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Human relationships which are characterized by violence increase the likelihood to engage in addictive behaviors and negative mental health outcomes are particularly prevalent in those cases. Contrarily, quality human relationships can be life-saving. A growing number of research indicates how important close emotional connections are for health and well-being, what is in line with a community approach in mental health care that is proving to have successful results and more benefits in comparison to traditional individualized interventions in hospitals. Mental health programs that foster positive social relations as part of activities based in the community can be successful in promoting emotional wellbeing in patients with serious mental disorders derived from addictive behaviors and unhealthy relationships.

 

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We worked with a sample of 15 patients (age range: 25-45) with serious mental illness who were involved in a mental health program with a community approach which was provided in a day care hospital in Malaga (Spain). Some patients developed schizophrenia and psychosis as a result of addiction to drugs. We conducted interviews and focus groups with those patients, analyzing the data according to a theory driven approach as well as with enough openness to find out new categories.

 

Findings: Patients with mental health disorders derived from addictive behaviors reported that the community approach of the mental health program was very positive for them to improve their emotional wellbeing. The patients emphasized the importance of the community approach in fostering the creation of new friendships that helped them improving their self-concept and recovering confidence in themselves and in others.

 

Conclusion & Significance: Programs that support socio-emotional development in therapeutic groups in community contexts can enhance the development of quality human relationships that have positive effects in patients with mental health disorders derived from additive behaviors.