Keks et al,
Box 2
www.mja.com.au
© 1998 MJA
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Treating the whole problem: targets and interventions for patients
with chronic psychiatric illness
People with disorders such as chronic schizophrenia require
interventions to improve their social functioning as well as to
control symptoms
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Target for intervention | Intervention |
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| Psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking)
| Antipsychosis medication; counselling -- reality reinforcement,
support
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| Social and emotional deficits (flat affect, poverty of thinking, social
withdrawal, lack of motivation) | Counselling,
encouragement to join activity groups/programs, case management to access
rehabilitation activities
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| Cognitive deficits (poor concentration, memory problems, poor
problem-solving and executive function)
| Counselling -- assistance with planning for goals, memory prompts, assistance in
task performance by allied health/nursing professionals
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| Mood disorder (depression, mania, anxiety)
| Medication,
counselling, cognitive psychotherapy
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| Functional deficits (in intimate relationships, social network,
occupation, basic living skills) | Assistance
to engage in occupational therapy, social skills training, training in activities
of daily living, occupational rehabilitation (e.g., job support
clubs)
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| Physical state (including alcohol/drug use)
| Assessment, treatment
for specific physical disorders (e.g., heart disease and airway
disease -- more common in alcoholics), nutritional and dental
hygiene, encouragement to reduce alcohol/drug use
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| Effects on carers and community
| Support groups (service-initiated
and self-help), education about illness, counselling -- assistance
with problem-solving, psychotherapy (e.g., for the family)
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| Social handicaps (financial resources, housing, stigma) | Financial
assistance, housing, assistance with good attainment (e.g.,
finding and joining a social program)
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