PSP scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the functioning of patients with with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI).

To assess PSP performance in patients with SPMI.

Relapse prevention and maintenance of social functioning in the long-term management of SPMI.

Assessments were made at the local CMHC on June, September and December 2009. Clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded.

44 patients’ function per each domain was rated at six levels.

The impact on total PSP scores of the following variables was examined (random intercept model): type of medication, gender, age, marital status, professional status, residence location, everyday living, follow-up visits and time under treatment.

The sample included 35. 80% male, 75% unmarried, 89% pensioners, 82% living with their families, 71% living in villages, 29% living in cities. Paranoid schizophrenia was the most frequent diagnosis.

Statistically significant improvement from baseline to month 3 was showed for self care, personal and social relations subscales of PSP scale. Socially useful actions stabilized between month 3 and month 6, as well.

The mean PSP scores increased from baseline to month 3 by 4.0 units (p = 0.012) and then stabilized. The mean score changed from month 3 to month 6 by approximately 0.1 units (P = 1.00).

The functioning of patients with SPMI improved over time due to the monitoring by trained physicians and caregivers.

The advices offered from the treating physicians towards functioning maintenance seemed to improve patients’ functioning.