This course introduces another kind of mental health illness: schizophrenia.  Schizophrenia is a relatively common disorder, affecting about one out of 100 people.  In fact, 1/5 of those receiving social security disability benefits are people with schizophrenia, and the disorder ranks ninth on the causes of disability throughout the world.  Frontline healthcare staff members can play an important role in not only recognizing warning signs and ensuring medication adherence, but also with helping patients identify and utilize social support.  Social support is one of the most important elements of treatment with schizophrenia, as well as other mental health illnesses.

This course is part two of a four-part series that aims to provide an overview of mental illnesses, while also exploring the role frontline healthcare staff play in managing and supporting these conditions.

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease and mental health disorder that affects a patient’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.  The disorder is more common than some diseases people hear more about, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.  Unfortunately, it’s also widely misunderstood.  In this part of the four-part series, schizophrenia as a mental illness and how it impacts the lives of patients is explored. The causes, risk factors, warning signs, diagnose, treatment standards and guidelines for patient care are examined. The concept of social support and how it can be utilized to support patients suffering from schizophrenia is reviewed. Participants learn skills to assist in identifying support systems and areas where patients can employ the best use of their support system. The course concludes with techniques to support patients in taking medication and promoting patient education.