Application of the therapeutic relationship to people with common mental disorder

ABSTRACT

Objective  To report the results from applying a therapeutic relationship to people with common mental disorder.

Method  Quantitative, descriptive, before and after study, conducted with 112 records accessed from an extension project in mental health in primary health care in Santo André, São Paulo. Screening was performed using a Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Data was collected in October 2014 and analyzed using simple frequency measures.

Results  The entry score ranged between 7 and18 points, and the higher the frequency, the more relationship sessions were necessary. At the end of the relationship process, 55% had a negative score and 45% passed the score ≤3.

Conclusion  Therapeutic relationship as nursing care in mental health transcends the area of specialty. Continuous review and process redirecting led users to enlarge their view of the suffering triggers, build coping strategies and exercise changes in daily life.

Mental Health; Primary Health Care Nursing; Mental health assistance