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World Mental Health Day 2014: How you can help schizophrenics

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Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 10, 2014 5:01 PM IST

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October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

Schizophrenia is a mental condition that causes a wide range of psychological symptoms. Although early diagnosis and treatment play a key role in the management of this disease, support from family and society help the patient efficiently deal with this problem. Apart from these, it is also very important to achieve a balance between the patient and caregiver and include their viewpoint in the treatment plan.

With better treatment options including medications, psycho-social interventions and rehabilitation services, the burden on the caregivers can be reduced to a great extent. In addition to these basic elements, there are few approaches that aid in the management of schizophrenia. Here are some tips by Dr Gorav Gupta, Director & Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare (Rehabilitation Centre) on how a family and society can help better manage schizophrenia.

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  • Skills training: In order to improve the treatment process and enhance supporting skills, it is very important to be in touch with a doctor and seek help whenever required.
  • Illness self-management: Schizophrenia patients should attend educational and training programs related to self-management and lower their symptoms of anxiety.
  • Family therapy: A mental healthcare professional can render significant inputs on effective and safe caregiving strategies. This family therapy will not only help in managing stress and reduce burden on caregivers but also help in achieving a balance between family and work.
  • Improve quality of life: It is not an easy job to take care of a schizophrenic patient and in most cases, caregivers may lose their control. To deal with these issues, talk to a therapist or psychologist as they may help in improving emotional coping skills, reduce stress levels and provide knowledge about effective care-giving tips.
  • Emotional and educational support: This might seem to be a traditional approach to manage depression and relieve burden on the caregiver, but this combination can work wonders. With the implementation of positive and active strategies related to emotional distress, striking a cord between managing illness and maintaining calmness is possible for caregivers.

Having talked about the role of family and caregivers in the management of schizophrenia, community based interventions can also be of great help. Above all, supported employment, cognitive intervention (cognitive rehabilitation and therapy) and integrated treatment approaches (clinical and psychological) are known to be very helpful in the management of schizophrenia.

Image Source: Getty Images

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Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti

Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti

Msc Biochemist. DIY enthusiast. Nature lover. Writer by profession. You can contact me at - bhavyajyoti.chilukoti@corp.india.com Follow me on Twitter: ... Read More