Following predominantly favourable earlier experiences with holiday trips, eleven long-term hospitalized patients of sociopsychiatric ward (an institution concerned with the gradual transition from psychiatric treatment to social rehabilitation) went on a one week's trip together with the ward personnel, emphasis being on the aspect of recreation. The patients themselves took over the organization of the daily schedules. Marked improvements in mood levels, a decrease in disturbances of well-being, and increased activity were clearly noticeable. These were probably due to relief from the clinic's daily routine and to the intensification of interactions within the patient group and with the therapists. Although these changes did not persist in most patients after their return, a positive effect for further therapy planning was seen in at least four of them. This experience report concludes with a suggestion to include such trips in the proposed treatment schedule for long-term patients.
