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Comprehensive Lifestyle Day Treatment Program wins 2007 Partnerships in Wellbeing Award.

Comprehensive Lifestyle Day Treatment Program

People with metal health problems have significantly higher rates of medical morbidity and mortality when compared with the general population. The increased rates of obesity, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, glucose abnormalities, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are particularly concerning given the prominent lifestyle contributions in the aetiology of these conditions.

People with mental health problems have demonstrated higher rates of smoking and substance use disorders, increased inactivity and poor diets. They have poorer access to medical care and worse treatment adherence. Research shows less emphasis is placed on medical issues in this population and they will often not adapt readily to medical education and behavioral change.

The TPH Comprehensive Lifestyle Day Treatment Program was created to address some of these imbalances. It recognizes the difficulty in managing medical co-morbidity in people with mental health problems. It also recognizes the poorer mental health outcomes in medically unwell populations. Additionally, there is preliminary evidence that the metabolic side effects of many psychotropic can be decreased by education and change in patient eating behavior and exercise. Importantly there is now strong evidence for the antidepressant and anxiolytic benefits of exercise alone.

Medical psychoeducation
Dietician review, education and food diaries each session
Individual assessment and exercise planning by a qualified fitness instructor
Physical exercise each session
Psychological input
- Psychoeducation
- Building confidence and socialization
- Signs of stress and illness
- Challenging barriers to behavioral change eg thoughts, motivation, boredom etc
- Controlling substance use
- Relapse prevention

Primary treatment sessions

The primary treatment sessions involve a set number of group sessions and ongoing assessment designed to complement the individual treatment patients receive from their psychiatrist.

Review and subsequent treatment sessions

Following completion of primary treatment sessions, subsequent session are provided to enable the review and reinforcing of skills and strategies to maintain and enhance recovery and prevent relapse.