Expert panel discussion: psychosocial interventions across the stages of schizophrenia - Highlights Pt 2 of 3
Mr Owen started the discussion by sharing his own experience of recovery in schizophrenia. He described how personal growth was a big part of his recovery, including the acceptance of his mental health condition. “Recovery is a fickle thing,” he noted, “medications can do so much and the remainder you have to do yourself.” In addition to medications, important aspects are physical exercise, social relationships and a healthy lifestyle – including good sleep and healthy eating. A good support network is crucial, especially having a good GP. The early days are particularly difficult, but it gets easier over time. “Recovery is a living experience more than a lived experience,” Mr Owen concluded.
"Recovery is a living experience more than a lived experience" - Mr Owen
Mr Clenaghan talked about evidence-based practice in community mental health (Figure 1). The evidence that guides the practice comes from randomized, controlled trial participants. Healthcare professionals working with people with schizophrenia bring the clinical expertise. Patient values represent the voice and lived experience of people with schizophrenia but, unfortunately, these are seldom assessed in published research. Personal recovery for individuals with schizophrenia is about rediscovering identity and a life worth living. Medication is important for recovery, as is talk therapy, but there are many more aspects, including social inclusion, housing, education and employment. The aim is to work towards levels of psychological wellbeing, contentment and fulfilment.
Figure 1. Overlapping components of evidence-based practice (EBP).
Adapted from Paul Clenaghan, personal communication
Figure 1. Overlapping components of evidence-based practice (EBP).
Adapted from Paul Clenaghan, personal communication
Leading on from Mr Clenaghan’s presentation, Mr Watkins talked about the top-ranked challenges for people experiencing psychosis, based on the Australian Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP).1 Financial concerns, loneliness and lack of employment are at the top of people’s concerns. Physical health affects quality of life. Peer work and coaching helps people on their mental and physical health journeys.
Professor Curtis wrapped up the session, focussing on young people with schizophrenia and emphasizing that early intervention is crucial. The current youth mental health service landscape is complex and potentially confusing. “We now know that multidisciplinary teams are most important to making a difference to people’s lives,” she explained.
Presented by Mr Dane Owen, Peer Supported Transition of Care Worker; Mr Paul Clenaghan, Health Service Manager, Sydney LHD; Mr Andrew Watkins, Nurse Practitioner, Equally Well; and Professor Jackie Curtis, Executive Director, Mindgardens Neuroscience Network. Session chaired by Professor Nick Glozier.
The symposium on Data, Discussions and Decisions in Psychiatry was held in Sydney (14 May 2022). The programme included clinically focussed sessions and expert panel discussions on treating people with schizophrenia.
Our correspondent’s highlights from the Psychiatry Symposium: Data, Discussions and Decisions in Psychiatry, are meant as a fair representation of the scientific content presented. The views and opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of Lundbeck.
Internal ID: AU-HLU-0057. August 2022
