AFFECTIVE DISORDERS PROGRAM
 
              Affective disorders are illnesses that affect the way people feel, think and act.
              They may cause patients to develop unhealthy behaviors that may easily become
              habits. One of the goals of the Phipps Clinic is to encourage the return of healthy
              behaviors that will support that patient after returning home. Our structured
              program supports the medical treatment that patients receive and enhances
              treatment outcomes. We encourage patients to participate fully in the Affective
              Disorder Program and to share the responsibility for their treatment by following
              these guidelines:
 
              Communication:
 
              Be informed about your illness and about your treatment. We encourage full
              participation in treatment and discharge planning. Discuss your concerns and your
              treatment plan on a daily basis with the treatment team. If your family has specific
              concerns they should contact the social worker.
 
              Making everyone feel comfortable is important. Be polite and respectful in
              interactions with other patients, staff and visitors.
 
              Groups:
 
              Groups are an essential part of the program. We offer several types of groups -
              education, support and occupational therapy groups. These groups are designed to
              help you learn more about your illness and develop skills to help you cope with your
              illness. They also give us important information that help us assess your progress;
              so it is important to attend all your scheduled groups. We ask that you use on
              campus privileges only during non-group times and ask visitors, including any out-of
              -town visitors, to come during non-group times.
 
              You may also be given assignments designed to address your treatment goals. It is
              important to complete your assignments.
 
              Medications:
 
              You will receive education about your medications. Try to learn as much as
              possible about your medications and to get into the habit of taking medications at
              the regularly scheduled times. You are encouraged to approach your nurse for your
              medications on time. This will help establish the health habit of taking responsibility
              for taking medication at specific times while you are still in the supportive surroundings
              of the hospital.