Evaluation of the impact of a comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation program on the improvement of cognitive functions in patients of the Mental Health Support Centre in Tarnowskie Gory using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of our study was check to how a 3-month program of physical, cognitive and social rehabilitation affected the cognitive functions of patients of the Mental Health Support Centre in Tarnowskie Gory by using the Wisconsin Card Sorting test Materials and Methods: The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was conducted twice among patients of the Mental Health Support Center in Tarnowskie Gory, who were undergoing a 3 month rehabilitation program that included physical, cognitive, and social rehabilitation. The test was conducted at the beginning and after the participation in the rehabilitation program. Results: The rehabilitation program led to a significant decrease in patients’ perseverative responses compared to the initial study. Other indicators were also assessed in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). There were no statistically significant differences between the results of the first and second studies. Conclusions: After completing the rehabilitation program, patients showed a significant decrease in perseverative responses, indicating improved speed in responding to changing task conditions. Cognitive flexibility, including the ability to respond to changing environmental conditions, is a key skill that enables adequate and adaptive actions.