Supportive Therapy For Schizophrenia |
Supportive therapy for schizophrenia patients is a critical part of the treatment for sufferers of this illness. Such supportive therapy usually involves helping the sufferer learn life skills that will enable him or her to continue down the path of healing.
Examples of such life skills – how to manage medication, re-learning how to socialize, managing relationships with family members, loved ones and friends, dealing with finances, and re-entering the job market. It also helps the patient understand what resources are available in the community for he or she to take advantage of.
It is best that the discussions involved in the therapy focus on the present situation that the patient is dealing with, the problems he or she is facing as they try to live as normal a life as possible, despite having to continue dealing with the illness. Dwelling on the past, as such, is less helpful for such therapy.
Typically, supportive therapy for schizophrenia patients begins with a trained healthcare worker working with the patient to relook at the pre-episode events or emotions that the patient went through. This enables the patient to be aware of and to look out for similar signs, in case of a potential relapse situation.
To enable continuity, in-patient supportive therapy for schizophrenia patients should be seamlessly linked into available community-based programs.
However, beyond the formal supportive therapy provided by healthcare services, eg from trained therapists, to such patients, it is also recognized that “interventions” from non-trained personnel like family members and friends in the form of “befriending” can also benefit the patient or his or her way to coping with their illness.
The general idea should be that, as long as such “interventions” aid the patient to either maintain certain functions or help with the patient with pre-existing abilities, they can be regarded as a form of supportive therapy.
The ultimate goal of such supportive therapy for schizophrenia patients, whether formal or informal, is to provide them with encouragement, practical advice, even friendship. The aim is to cultivate a strong hope in the patient that the situation can indeed get better, and that they can lead almost normal lives with family, loved ones and within their community.
Important Fact #1: Possible Signs Of Schizophrenia
Look out for any of the following signs of schizophrenia -- paranoia, delusions, inactivity or hyperactivity, unusual/strange or lack of emotional responses, over or under sensitivity, self-imposed social isolation, hostility, lack of interest in proper personal hygiene and extreme depression. |
Important Fact #2: Mention Of Suicide
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to try taking their lives. At all times, take any mention of suicide by them seriously and seek medical assistance. |
Important Fact #3: Curing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia cannot be completely cured. However medical experts will tell you that 90% of people with the disorder can look forward to recovering to a degree that will enable them to function and lead happy lives. |
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