Sentiens Health

Article Index
How is treatment obtained for people with psychotic disorders?
What are the goals of treatment?
Why is early intervention important?
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There are a number of methods which individuals and their families can use to obtain treatment. The methods people use often differ depending on how troubling and disruptive symptoms are, and how familiar the person might be with the signs of a developing psychosis. In the prodromal (or early) phase, when behavioral changes are starting to appear, individuals and their families usually feel that 'something isn't right' but they may not know what the problem is. This is particularly true if an individual hasn't experienced a psychotic illness before. Other individuals and their families might recognize the early warning signs as those of a developing psychosis. During an acute phase, families usually know that there is a problem, but may be unsure of where to seek assistance. The following people will be helpful for the individual and/or their family to talk to:

• A school psychologist or counselor. Because the first episode of a psychosis usually occurs during young adulthood, many people will have psychologists or counselors at their school that they can talk to. These professionals can help to make a decision if specialist assistance is required, and can help make referrals to appropriate professionals.
• The local or family doctor. The local doctor will also be helpful to talk to. If the doctor believes that the individual is experiencing early warning signs or more obvious symptoms of a psychosis, they can assist by making a referral to a mental health professional (usually a psychiatrist).
• The local mental health clinic, community hospital or mental health/psychiatric emergency teams. These are also valuable resources if the individual, or the family, feels that 'something isn't right' but isn't sure what the problem is. They may also notice signs that they know from past experience, indicate that a psychosis is developing or is being experienced. Phone numbers for these clinics are available in the phone book and through telephone help-lines.
• Mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. If the individual is already seeing a mental health professional, then these individuals will be in a good position to assess if any troubling symptoms or changes in the person's behavior are signs of a developing psychosis or not. They will also know where to direct the person and their family for further assistance.
• Telephone help lines. The local telephone directory will have some telephone numbers for local telephone help lines that specialize in mental health or welfare issues. These help lines can be very useful in directing individuals and their families to appropriate services.

Sometimes it can take several contacts with the above professionals before a referral is made. Individuals and their families need to be patient and persistent. It is advisable to keep a diary of troubling behavior, and to write down the troubling behaviors in a clear and objective way. For example, the diary might contain the following information about the sufferer.

• What is the 'typical' day like, and is this different from usual?
• When did behavior begin to change?
• What is the state of such things as sleeping, eating and self-care?
• Are unusual things being said or done? If so, what?
• How is the sufferer managing their social, financial and work/study responsibilities?

A diary will help inform the health professional about important information relating to the development of the illness, and it will also help to determine what the next step, if any, might be.