Enfermedad mental y violencia: Propuestas de Intervención en Enfermería

a cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted among 80 patients suffering from mental diseases with functioning at psychotic level, relatives, living together persons and members of the community from " julio a. mella" health area of the polyclinic of camagüey city, seen at the community mental health center of the above mentioned area during may, june, july, and august 2006, by using the qualitative technique of focal groups to explore aspects related to violence and mental diseases, to know the criterion on this phenomenon, and to determine if the mental patient is a victim of violence. the differences among the sick, the living together persons, and the community members as for perception of violence (conceptualism), types of violence, mechanisms of production and reactions to it were explored. the mental health team composed of a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, an occupational therapy technician, a psychometrist, and two nursing professionals took part in this investigation. intervention actions were proposed to be carried out by the nursing staff to decrease violence, as well as educative activities to increase knowledge on mental disorders, and to inculcate the respect these patients deserve as human beings