Explore the key issues related to caring for a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia, with this short, free online course.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia
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 two-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.
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?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
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.
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:
- you know someone with psychosis, perhaps your child, partner, sibling, parent or friend and are providing support
- you are a professional working in a service or other mental healthcare organisation, with an interest in psychosis and families
- 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.
This course has been initiated and funded by the Otsuka Lundbeck Alliance. Neither Otsuka nor Lundbeck have had any influence on or input into the development of the content or materials for this course.
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.
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
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