Syllabus

• Week 1

  UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSIS AND SCHIZOPHRENIA

  • WELCOME

    Before getting into the detail we will take some time to reflect on psychosis and schizophrenia. In this topic we will outline the week ahead and you will consider what you want to get out of the course.

  • UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSIS

    By the end of this topic you will have an overview of psychosis, its symptoms and causes.

  • SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS: HALLUCINATIONS

    Hallucinations can be one of the main symptoms of psychosis, yet they are not synonymous with mental health issues. Here we will explore what hallucinations are, when to seek treatment and how best to give support.

  • SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS: DELUSIONS

    Delusions can be one of the main symptoms of psychosis but, like hallucinations, are not synonymous with mental health issues.

  • SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS: NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS

    In this section we will look at what negative symptoms look like, their impact and possible treatments.

  • FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT

    Now that we’ve seen some professional viewpoints, let’s hear from someone with lived experience of psychosis.

  • SARS -CoV-2 (COVID-19) AND SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS

    The global outbreak of COVID-19 and strategies adopted to reduce the risk of transmission have affected different groups of individuals in different ways. What do we know about how people living with psychosis have been affected?

  • WEEK 1 SUMMARY

    So, what have we learnt during the week?

• Week 2

  CAUSES, MEDICATION AND TREATMENT

  • WELCOME TO WEEK 2

    Find out what is to come this week and reflect on some of the big questions we will ask.

  • CAUSES OF PSYCHOSIS: TRAUMA

    There are a number of factors that can lead to psychosis. In this section, we will focus specifically on trauma as an important cause.

  • CAUSES OF PSYCHOSIS: CANNABIS

    Research has identified a causal link between the use of cannabis and psychosis, but just how great is that risk and why are some more susceptible to the risk than others?

  • WHAT TREATMENTS AIM TO ACHIEVE: MEDICATIONS

    What do we know about the medications commonly used to treat psychosis, and what can a person with psychosis and carers expect from antipsychotic medication?

  • WHAT TREATMENTS AIM TO ACHIEVE: MANAGING MEDICATIONS

    Medication is prescribed with clear aims and outcomes in mind. This section will explore the truths and myths of medication, what roles carers may have in supporting a relative with medication and noticing some common side effects

  • WHAT TREATMENTS AIM TO ACHIEVE: TALKING TREATMENTS

    What are talking therapies and how do they treat psychosis?

  • WEEK 2 SUMMARY

    So, what are some of the things we covered in Week 2?

• Week 3

  THE IMPACT OF CAREGIVING

  • WELCOME TO WEEK 3

    Week 3 is all about carers and caring. You’ll find out how providing care and support can affects you in different ways and, as before, there will be opportunities to share your own views and learn from the experiences of others.

  • THE IMPACT OF CAREGIVING

    In this topic we explore the impact that caring for a relative with psychosis can have on a carer's health and wellbeing and the range of emotional reactions.

  • FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS

    In this section we'll hear from three parents with experience of psychosis and of caregiving.

  • YOUNG PEOPLE AS CARERS

    Life can be especially demanding for a young person caring for a parent with psychosis. In this topic we'll explore some of the issues and needs of carers under 18 years old.

  • SIBLINGS AS CAREGIVERS

    We look at the experiences and challenges faced by a sibling of someone with psychosis, and the importance of their role.

  • PARTNERS AS CARERS

    People face a variety of possible issues if the person they are in a relationship with develops, or presents with, psychosis.

  • MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE CARER

    What are the needs of carers? Do they have needs of their own? Should they have needs of their own? This topic focuses on these areas.

  • SARS -CoV-2 (COVID-19): CAREGIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

    Now lets turn our attention to caregiving experiences during COVID-19. How might these differ to usual times?

  • WEEK 3 SUMMARY

    A summary of what we have covered in Week 3.

• Week 4

  SUPPORTING RECOVERY

  • WELCOME TO WEEK 4

    The final week of this course focuses on recovery and on the related issues of physical health including issues related to COVID-19, 'problem' behaviour and effective communication.

  • PSYCHOSIS AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

    Find out more about the main physical health issues faced by a person with psychosis, and strategies for how to improve physical health.

  • THE POSSIBILITY OF RECOVERY

    The issue of recovery in psychosis raises many questions, some of which we will explore in this topic. We will also be looking at whether there is a way to understand recovery that can also support and empower carers.

  • DEALING WITH PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR

    In this topic we'll explore some of the behaviours that carers find it hard to cope with when presented by a relative with psychosis. There will also be an opportunity to share coping strategies.

  • IMPROVING COMMUNICATION

    When a relative is experiencing psychosis symptoms it can be challenging for a carer to communicate as effectively as they would like. Here we explore some strategies for building effective communication.

  • COMMUNICATING ABOUT HEALTH

    Find out how to discuss healthy lifestyle choices more effectively with a relative with psychosis.

  • WEEK 4 SUMMARY

    A summary of what we have covered in week 4, and the course as a whole.

Who will you learn with?