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Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Explore the key issues related to caring for a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia, with this short, free online course.

54,530 enrolled on this course

An illustration of a person with icons floating around their head to represent aspects of psychosis such as a puzzle piece, a medication bottle and a trauma sign.
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Psychosis conditions, including schizophrenia, are treatable mental health problems that can affect anyone although very few people talk about the conditions and their impact on families. Millions of people across the globe find themselves thrust unexpectedly into a role providing support and care when a relative develops psychosis. Carers can play a major role in supporting their relative’s progress and recovery.

This four-week course will explore some of the key issues and questions relevant to a carer who is supporting a relative with psychosis such as:

  • Why is schizophrenia described as psychosis?
  • How can we best understand psychosis and its key symptoms such as hearing voices?
  • What are the links between cannabis use and developing psychosis?
  • Can psychosis affect physical health?
  • How do medications in psychosis work and what effects can they have?
  • In what ways are siblings of people with psychosis affected?
  • How can psychosis affect a carer’s health and their relationships?

This free online course will provide opportunities to share your views and experiences with carers from around the world. It will also include opportunities to consider how the recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic affects caregiving experiences and relationships.

You can find out more in Dr Juliana Onwumere’s post for the FutureLearn blog: “How online educational approaches can support the families of people with psychosis.”

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe the key symptoms and causes of psychosis, the role of psychological and pharmacological treatments, and the meaning and process of recovery
  • Identify common physical health problems in psychosis and obstacles to implementing healthier lifestyle options
  • Describe the impact that psychosis can have on individuals in a caregiving role and strategies to support improved wellbeing
  • Discuss techniques for reducing communication difficulties in caregiving relationships

Who is the course for?

This course is open to anyone with an interest in psychosis and caregiving issues.

You may be interested in taking the course because:

  1. you know someone with psychosis, perhaps your child, partner, sibling, parent or friend and are providing support
  2. you are a professional working in a service or other mental healthcare organisation, with an interest in psychosis and families
  3. you have an interest in mental health problems.

No previous knowledge of psychosis or experience of caring is required to take the course although some medical terminology is used. There are optional, additional materials for those who want to explore the topics discussed beyond the core material, some of which are academic papers.

The course was originally co-initiated and co-funded by H. Lundbeck A/S. H. Lundbeck A/S did not have any influence on or input into the development of course content or materials, and is no longer involved.

Who will you learn with?

Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London and Consultant Clinical Psychologist with the National Psychosis Unit, South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.

Who developed the course?

King's College London

King’s College London, established in 1829 and a founding college of the University of London, is one of the world’s leading research and teaching universities, based in the very heart of London.

Endorsers and supporters

endorsed by

EUFAMI - 20 years

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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Get a taste of this course

Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:

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