Stigma of mental illness: An interventional study to reduce its impact in the community.

Background: Research literature has documented the nature of stigma associated with mental illness (MI) and its consequences in all spheres of life of ill persons and their families. It is also suggested that there is a need to develop intervention strategies to reduce stigma. However, very little is reported about these initiatives in the Indian context.

Efficacy of psychosocial rehabilitation program: The RFS experience.

Background: People with severe and persistent mental illness need help in most aspects of their lives, as the disability associated with these diseases can be debilitating. Psychosocial rehabilitation interventions aim to help them relearn skills that would reduce disabilities so that they can be reintegrated into society.

Objective: To study the efficacy of the rehabilitation program at the Richmond Fellowship Society (RFS) 'ASHA' half-way home.

Family support group in psychosocial rehabilitation.

Background: Support groups for families of persons with mental illness are emerging as significant components in psychosocial rehabilitation programmes.

Aim: To ascertain the expectations of family members who attend family support group meetings and to find out the efficacy of such programmes.

Methods: The data were collected from support group members using a semi-structured interview schedule.