Post by Mel on Mar 15, 2006 11:29:44 GMT -5
If one of your family members has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you can play an invaluable role in helping them get access to appropriate mental healthcare. One of the first things you may need to do is to locate a primary mental healthcare provider – usually a psychiatrist – to oversee their care.
How do you choose a psychiatrist? Most experts recommend that you ask friends in the medical profession whom they would go to if someone in their family had schizophrenia. Another option is to get in touch with other families who have a relative with schizophrenia. They can often direct you to mental health professionals, as well as to resources in your community such as mental health clinics that provide family education or support programs.
Organizations such as the National Mental Health Association, the National Institute for Mental Health, and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill also provide information on how to choose, and communicate with, mental health professionals, as well as information on
Choosing a provider or treatment,
What to expect on a first visit, and
The types of questions you should ask.
Ideally, you should choose a psychiatrist who is familiar with schizophrenia, shows interest in the illness, exhibits empathy in working with you and your family member, and is open to your concerns and observations. "The first thing that a family member needs to do is gain a fairly good understanding of the diagnosis," says Stephen Marder, MD, director of Mental Health at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
The doctor should explain clearly what schizophrenia is and how it is treated. "If you come away from a visit dissatisfied, I would suggest contacting an advocacy group such as the Alliance for the Mentally Ill," said Dr. Marder.
Here are a few tips to help you manage your search:
Call ahead. Spend a few minutes talking with providers on the phone. Ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, and whether or not they have a particular specialty or concentration. If you feel comfortable, the next step is to make an appointment.
Be persistent. If for any reason you are not comfortable talking with a professional on the phone or meeting with him or her, keep searching until you find someone you like.
Be prepared. Patients with schizophrenia may not be able to volunteer much information during an assessment. Be prepared with information and questions for the doctor. Know your family's medical history and know which medications your family member has been taking. You may also want to ask questions about medication, side effects, long-term health risks, and hospitalization. It's a good idea to jot down your questions ahead of your appointment time – and bring a pad of paper and a pen to take notes.
How can you identify a competent and effective clinician? Here are some reasonable expectations of proper psychiatric care. A mental health clinician should:
Believe schizophrenia is a brain disease
Take a detailed history
Screen for problems that may be related to other possible illnesses
Be knowledgeable about antipsychotic medications
Follow up thoroughly
Adjust treatment when necessary
Review medications regularly
Be interested in the patient's entire welfare and make appropriate referrals for aftercare, housing, social support, and financial aid
Explain clearly what is going on
Involve the family in the treatment process
How do you choose a psychiatrist? Most experts recommend that you ask friends in the medical profession whom they would go to if someone in their family had schizophrenia. Another option is to get in touch with other families who have a relative with schizophrenia. They can often direct you to mental health professionals, as well as to resources in your community such as mental health clinics that provide family education or support programs.
Organizations such as the National Mental Health Association, the National Institute for Mental Health, and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill also provide information on how to choose, and communicate with, mental health professionals, as well as information on
Choosing a provider or treatment,
What to expect on a first visit, and
The types of questions you should ask.
Ideally, you should choose a psychiatrist who is familiar with schizophrenia, shows interest in the illness, exhibits empathy in working with you and your family member, and is open to your concerns and observations. "The first thing that a family member needs to do is gain a fairly good understanding of the diagnosis," says Stephen Marder, MD, director of Mental Health at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
The doctor should explain clearly what schizophrenia is and how it is treated. "If you come away from a visit dissatisfied, I would suggest contacting an advocacy group such as the Alliance for the Mentally Ill," said Dr. Marder.
Here are a few tips to help you manage your search:
Call ahead. Spend a few minutes talking with providers on the phone. Ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, and whether or not they have a particular specialty or concentration. If you feel comfortable, the next step is to make an appointment.
Be persistent. If for any reason you are not comfortable talking with a professional on the phone or meeting with him or her, keep searching until you find someone you like.
Be prepared. Patients with schizophrenia may not be able to volunteer much information during an assessment. Be prepared with information and questions for the doctor. Know your family's medical history and know which medications your family member has been taking. You may also want to ask questions about medication, side effects, long-term health risks, and hospitalization. It's a good idea to jot down your questions ahead of your appointment time – and bring a pad of paper and a pen to take notes.
How can you identify a competent and effective clinician? Here are some reasonable expectations of proper psychiatric care. A mental health clinician should:
Believe schizophrenia is a brain disease
Take a detailed history
Screen for problems that may be related to other possible illnesses
Be knowledgeable about antipsychotic medications
Follow up thoroughly
Adjust treatment when necessary
Review medications regularly
Be interested in the patient's entire welfare and make appropriate referrals for aftercare, housing, social support, and financial aid
Explain clearly what is going on
Involve the family in the treatment process
