Schizophrenia for support workers

There are many myths about schizophrenia and none of them are particularly helpful. Influenced by half-understood clichés about ‘split personality’ and media reports of ‘psychotic killers’, most people are confused about the whole subject.

In reality schizophrenia is no more complicated to understand and work with than any other mental disorder. Once we clear away the myths and misrepresentations it is possible to ‘see the wood for the trees’ and concentrate upon genuine problems in a way that makes a real difference.

Support workers are vital to the process of relapse prevention and recovery. We know from research dating back over 60 years that the best outcomes in schizophrenia result from good quality, consistent care on a day by day basis. This training then is designed to help support staff not only to understand the main principles underlying schizophrenia but also to know how best to approach sufferers.

The course covers:

Schizophrenia – a psychotic disorder

What is psychosis?

Exploding the myths

Hallucinations, Delusions and Thought Disorders

Stress and vulnerability in psychosis

The experience of psychosis

Diagnosing schizophrenia (what the psychiatrist will look for)

The meaning of recovery (medical, social and psychological)

Planning support and the role of support workers

Engaging with service-users

Understanding expressed emotion (the foundation for recovery)