Prevention and care

This complex illness, which affects the patient and disrupts the family, calls for a multi-disciplinary team effort approach in order to offer a multi-level treatment plan.

Medication

Antipsychotics (Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Clozaril and, soon, Ziprasidone, Aripiprazole) are modern pharmaceutical treatments. These medications can alleviate acute symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, bizarre behaviour, incoherent speech). These new antipsychotics rarely cause the trembling and sedation seen with earlier medications (Haldol, Moditen, Largactil, etc.). On the other hand, they often lead to weight gain, which can lead to complications such as diabetes or to an increase in the level of lipids.

Rehabilitation program

Treatment by medication is accompanied by rehabilitation (teaching social, communication and problem-solving skills, etc.) which begins during hospitalization and continues later, becoming more diverse, depending on the patient’s rate of progress. A concerted effort to give the person support, encouragement and gradual stimulation is needed to help him fight the persistent symptoms that handicap and undermine his motivation. Encouraging the person to participate regularly in his rehabilitation program will help him learn to take care of himself and return to fulfilling activities at work and/or school.

Psycho-educational therapy

It is essential to offer the patient and his family current information about the illness, its evolution and treatments. We need to learn to pay attention to precursor symptoms of a relapse and to avoid stress (drugs, strong emotions, etc.) that may aggravate the illness. Also, a new lifestyle has to be discovered that will enable the patient to become as functional as possible while protecting his vulnerability, surmounting the handicaps and offering support to the family.

Social support
Often unprepared to confront new or complex situations, patients will need help in resolving everyday problems (lodging, eating, socializing, working). This is not a dependency need; rather, they need help in planning and carrying out activities that are part of day-to-day routine.

Resources

There are many mutual aid groups operating throughout Québec that can offer information and support to a family affected by this illness.