Outcomes of the Chinese Basic Conversation Skill Module (CBCSM) for people with schizophrenia having mild to moderate symptoms and dysfunction in Hong Kong.

Abstract This study tested the effectiveness of a culturally adapted Chinese Basic Conversation Skill Module (CBCSM) for Hong Kong Chinese with schizophrenia. A total of 106 participants with schizophrenia who had mild to moderate levels of symptoms and dysfunction were recruited between January 2004 and September 2005. After random allocation, 35 participants were assigned to the CBCSM group with skill generalization training (SGT), 35 participants were assigned to the CBCSM group without SGT, and 36 participants were assigned to the placebo group. All participants were assessed by a blind rater at baseline, 5 weeks after commencement of skills training, and 3 and 6 months after completion of skills training on conversation skill mastery, subjective personal well being, and self esteem. After 15 sessions of intervention, the CBCSM group with SGT and the CBCSM group outperformed the placebo group in social skills. At the 6-month follow-up, social skill of CBCSM group with SGT was better than the CBCSM group and the placebo group. CBCSM with SGT was found to be effective in improving conversation skill of people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. This combined strategy was also shown to be better than mere application of CBCSM in helping conversation skill mastery.

Qigong as a psychosocial intervention for depressed elderly with chronic physical illnesses.

Literature uncovers that depression is common in elderly people. The problem is more serious in elderly with chronic physical illnesses. Although the relationship between physical problems and depression is well documented, the underlying mechanism is basically unknown. This article proposed after a comprehensive literature review that depression in elderly with chronic physical illnesses results from disability and a reduction in psychosocial resources. If depression is left untreated, suicide may be a consequence. In view of this, various forms of psychosocial interventions are developed based on mainstream western medicine. The authors argue that qigong, a form of Chinese therapeutics, has the effect of alleviating clinical depression and thus improves quality of life. A simple form of dynamic qigong, namely the Eight-Section Brocades, is suggested to serve the purpose. A theory which explains the psychosocial effect of qigong is hypothesized.