OBJECTIVE: The aim of this present research was to determine social support states of primary caregivers of patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six primary caregivers of patients who resided in the psychiatry inpatient clinic or who were followed in the outpatient clinic were included in this descriptive research. The research was conducted between 1 March and 15 April 2009. The data were collected using a personal information form and multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support. Percentage distribution and t test were used for the data analysis.

RESULTS: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the social support scores of the caregivers whose patients resided in the psychiatry inpatient clinic and those of the caregivers whose patients presented to the outpatient clinic (p<0.05). Also, family support scores, significant other support scores and total social support scores were low among the caregivers whose patients resided at the inpatient clinic. Family support scores, friend support scores, significant other support scores, and total support scores of the caregivers who obtained support from the social environment for patient care and whose patients resided at the inpatient clinic were high. On the other hand, only family support scores were high among the caregivers of the patients who presented to the outpatient clinic..

CONCLUSION: It was seen that social support levels of the caregivers of patients residing in the inpatient clinic and of those whose patients presented to the outpatient clinic were different, with social support levels of the caregivers of patients residing at the inpatient clinic being lower. It is essential that caregivers are helped so that they can identify the social support resources and use them effectively.

OBJECTIVE: This study intended to analyze the characteristics of male and female patients kept in mechanical restraint in acute psychotic clinics.

METHODS: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was undertaken in a psychiatric hospital in Istanbul between 1 November 2007 and 31 January 2008. The research was conducted in two psychotic services with patients kept in restraint who were randomly selected as one male and one female. All the cases kept in restraint and all the restraint applications made during the research period constituted the sample. Data were collected using an information form created by the researchers, and the form was completed for each restraint application. The obtained data were assessed using percentage, chi-square tests and t-test on computer environment.

RESULTS: It was found that in the female clinic, 66 among 321 patients were restrained, the number of restraints was 140, the average restraint duration was 6.10±4.5 hours, and in 38.6% of cases, the restraint method was the chest belt in addition to four-point restraint. In the male clinic, 35 among 259 patients were restrained, the number of restraints was 65, the average restraint duration was 3.15±2.7 hours, and in 64.6% of cases, the method of restraint was the four- point restraint. Between the male and female clinics, the number and the duration of restraints, the number of repeated restraints and methods of restraint were found to be statistically significantly different (p<0.001). When the factors that may affect the restraint application in male and female patients were evaluated, differences were determined between the two groups in terms of average age, marital status, psychiatric diagnosis, level of insight, recognition of the initial signs of aggression by nurses, the attitudes of the patients, and the frequency of the nurses’ observation (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in terms of disease duration and history of prior violence.

CONCLUSION: The number of restraints and duration of restraint were higher in the female clinic. The style of restraint also differed between genders. In male patients, although the frequencies of younger age, diagnosis of schizophrenia and lack of insight were higher, it may be considered that recognition of the initial signs of aggression by nurses and observation at 15-minute intervals are efficient in decreasing the restraint number and duration. The factors that affect the application of restraint need to be investigated using different methods. Studies on aggression management should be regarded and efforts should be made to decrease restraint usage and duration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the depression coping self-efficacy level and perceived social support resources.

METHODS: This study was planned as a descriptive and correlation research. The study population comprised 105 patients from acute psychiatric wards with a diagnosis of a major depressive disorder or episode; dysthymic disorder; bipolar I or II depressive episode; or adjustment disorder with depressive mood determined according to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. A questionnaire form, the Depression Coping Self-Efficacy Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used for the study.

RESULTS: The Depression Coping Self-Efficacy Scale score of the population was 48.10±21.35 (min: 10, max: 97) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support score was 51.73±21.05 (Family: 18.04±8.71; Friends: 15.91±8.24; Special Person: 17.78±8.72). There was a positive correlation between the Depression Coping Self-Efficacy Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (r=0.50; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: This study is a contribution to the related literature since it demonstrates the relationship between the depression coping self-efficacy level and perceived social support resources of patients with depressive disorder. Self-efficacy and social support are important factors in the development and continuance of depression. Therefore, it is important that health professionals work with the family and spouses during the therapy in order to increase the level of social support for these individuals.

The start-up of a photo workshop in Bakýrköy Mental Hospital, Rehabilitation Center, was planned in order to introduce psychotic patients interested in photography to photography art and to help them socialize via photography. The project was conducted with the cooperation of a photography association and photography equipment supplier. Four hours of theoretical training in photography was given to the attendants of the photography workshop (10 patients). The patients were supported during the following four months and were helped to produce photographs. During weekly meetings, the photographs taken were analyzed and recommendations were made. Five months in to the study, 50 pictures were selected for inclusion for one month in the “21st Photography Days of Istanbul” exhibition under the theme “The Reality”. It was observed that the workshop and exhibition processes were helpful to the patients during their rehabilitation, and visitors to the exhibition also gave positive feedback. Most of the patients continued to take pictures. In conclusion, there is a need for empirical studies on this subject. The possibility of using photography in the rehabilitation process should be considered.

Evidence-based nursing and medicine have existed in health sciences literature for the last 15-20 years, and remain areas of high interest and popularity in the field. Despite being widely discussed in nursing conferences and developed with evidence-based centers of excellence, Evidence-based nursing is reported to have little impact on nursing care. The need for high-quality nursing care based on the best available evidence is not being met adequately in the actual practice of the profession. This article is a review of the rhetoric, reality and recommendations in the practice of evidence-based psychiatric nursing.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric disorder with a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and affects, and with marked impulsivity beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts. Since they are labeled as “difficult patients”, frequent hospitalizations are needed, and health personnel experience difficulty in their treatment and care, this article will explain the treatment and nursing care for BPD patients.