In this week’s introduction, it stated that psychoeducation and communication skills training are important components in a comprehensive treatment plan.

For this assignment, you will develop an infographic or brochure to use for family education. Some free infographic tools include Piktochart, Canva, and Venngage. The goal of the resource is to provide an accurate and easy to understand summary of the schizophrenia based on principles of psychoeducation described in the readings.  Your audience will be parents, family members, and significant others of a client newly diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Your infographic must address:

  • Positive symptoms of schizophrenia
  • Negative symptoms of schizophrenia
  • Causes of the condition (based on best current evidence)
  • Major treatment approaches, including:
    • medications
    • individual psychotherapy
    • family therapy
  • A discussion of expressed emotion (what is it; how can families manage?) with examples.
  • Things families can do to help their loved one maximize their functioning.

Length: An infographic with a one-page summary.

Resources: Include 2 scholarly references (no more than five years old), not including the DSM-5 to support the information presented.

Your infographic or brochure should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Vaghee, S., Salarhaji, A., & Vaghei, N. (2016). Comparing the effect of in our own voice-family with psychoeducation on stigma in families of schizophrenia patients. Nursing Practice Today, 3(4), 139-151.

Sadath, A., Muralidhar, D., Varambally, S., Gangadhar, B. N., & Jose, J. P. (2017, February). Do stress and support matter for caring? The role of perceived stress and social support on expressed emotion of carers of persons with first-episode psychosis. Asian Journal of Psychiatry(25) 163-168.

American Psychiatric Association (Ed.). (2013). DSM-5: Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

Oksuz, E., Karaca, S., Ozaltin, G., & Ates, M. (2017). The effects of psychoeducation on the expressed emotion and family functioning of the family members in first-episode schizophrenia. Community Mental Health Journal, 53(4), 464-473.

Bailey, R. C., & Grenyer, B. S. (2015). The relationship between expressed emotion and wellbeing for families and carers of a relative with borderline personality disorder. Personality and Mental Health, 9(1), 21-32. doi:10.1002/pmh.1273

Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families

Understanding Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families

Welcome to our guide aimed at helping families understand and support their loved ones diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
  • Delusions (fixed false beliefs)
  • Disorganized thinking (difficulty organizing thoughts and making sense of information)

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Apathy or lack of motivation
  • Reduced emotional expression

Causes of Schizophrenia:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Brain chemistry and structure abnormalities
  • Environmental factors (e.g., stress, substance abuse)

Treatment Approaches:

  1. Medications: Antipsychotic drugs to manage symptoms.
  2. Individual Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address thoughts and behaviors.
  3. Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy to enhance support and communication.

Expressed Emotion (EE):

  • Definition: EE refers to the emotional climate within the family, including criticism, hostility, and emotional over-involvement.
  • Management: Families can manage EE by fostering open communication, setting boundaries, and seeking support from mental health professionals.

Ways Families Can Help:

  1. Educate Yourself: Learn about schizophrenia to better understand your loved one’s experiences.
  2. Provide Support: Offer emotional support and encouragement in treatment adherence.
  3. Encourage Independence: Support opportunities for your loved one to engage in meaningful activities and relationships.
  4. Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a safe and accepting atmosphere at home.

References:

  1. Vaghee, S., Salarhaji, A., & Vaghei, N. (2016). Comparing the effect of in our own voice-family with psychoeducation on stigma in families of schizophrenia patients. Nursing Practice Today, 3(4), 139-151.
  2. Sadath, A., Muralidhar, D., Varambally, S., Gangadhar, B. N., & Jose, J. P. (2017). Do stress and support matter for caring? The role of perceived stress and social support on expressed emotion of carers of persons with first-episode psychosis. Asian Journal of Psychiatry(25), 163-168.

Remember, supporting a loved one with schizophrenia can be challenging, but with knowledge, understanding, and support, families can play a crucial role in their recovery journey.

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