To Assess the Neuropsychological Deficits and to Study the Efficacy of Therapy based on Optimism-Attitude Model (OAM) for Substance – Dependence Patients

Background: Substance dependence disorder is an epidemic of global world and results in various kinds of deficits in cognitive, social, personal and economic loss of the person. Person with SUD'S tend to perform poor on various cognitive task and has impaired executive functioning, poor verbal fluency, impaired judgment and poor emotional and social functioning. Various treatment programs have been developed in order for the patients with SUD'S to get benefit from the treatment and improved cognitive and social functioning. Objectives: This study aim to assess and understand the neurocognitive functioning present in the Substance Dependence patients and to study the efficacy of therapy based on OAM for substance dependence patients. Methodology: The present study consists of sample of 100 male substance–dependent patients admitted in Psychiatric and De-addiction Centre in Delhi. Participants completed Neuropsychological functioning test and was then directed for therapy involving 14 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes during their stay in hospital. Therapeutic Sessions was focusing on individual level of optimism, desire to change, patient attitude and behavior towards change and to understand their selfefficacy. Patients who were attending therapy sessions were instructed to fill various self-reports measures to understand the impact of therapy before and after the sessions. Results: The results showed that therapy based on OAM model impact the participants attitude and behavior towards positive outlook enhancing their level of optimism, improved self-efficacy and desire to change and maintain the changed behavior. Conclusion: The implications for the practice of therapy based on OAM in the treatment of Substance- dependence is notable and this therapy got future implications in other area of mental health.