Solutions for Wellness: Results of a Manualized Psychoeducational Program for Adults with Psychiatric Disorders

Objective: The growing problem of premature death in people with serious mental illness is a critical call to action. Few resources exist that can help integrate physical health into behavioral health treatment. This study examined the effectiveness of a manualized, psychoeducational wellness toolkit called the Solutions for Wellness (SFW). The study aimed to examine whether mental health consumers who volunteered to participate in an intensive group intervention with the SFW program increased knowledge about wellness and changes in attitudes/intentions to pursue healthier lifestyle choices. Methods: Thirty-four participants with mental illness participated in an intensive 10-week manualized group wellness program. The primary outcome measures were change in knowledge and attitudes/intentions. Secondary outcomes were change in body mass index (BMI), weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, waist circumference, hope, and clinician rating of clinical status. Pre-post changes in several of these...