Does anyone have any suggestions on how is best to approach a pt with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia?

Question

I am an Occupational Therapy Assistnat student & I have a case study on a Schizophrenic pt. Does anyone have suggestions on methods to approach and work with these types of patients?

Answer 1

I am a paranoid schizophrenic and can help you with some things.
When talking to them do not stare then in the eyes, it often makes them uncomfortable when talking to them sit if they are sitting or if you are near some chairs.
When talking with them sit down next to them, not across from them and do not stand over them while they are sitting, these make it less stressful it is how friends sit with one another, across or standing while they sit sends of vibes of dominance.
Never speak to them as though they are mentally ill, talk to them and treat them as a friend.
When delusional do not try and make them see logic, what they see is real to them and nothing will change their mind, don't work them up on it and agree just listen and nod and talk to them about it in a comfortable way.
Don't touch them, it often makes them and people in general uncomfortable, get rid of the formal mumbo jumbo and just treat them as a human as though they are a casual friend I cannot stress that one point enough.
Find things you can relate too, you may not be able to relate to delusions and voices but when they talk of something that scares them tell them a story of something that scared you.
Listen, don't interrupt and be there for them, throw all professionalism out the door and stick with being friendly, my doc is the only one i have ever found because she talks to you as another person not a doctor which is why she is great at her job.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions I am always available my contact info is there in my profile.

Answer 2

THINK! someone has "labeled you". You are a 'student" and obviously don't
really have any more idea what Schizophrenic is [much less ALL the modern spin-offs] than a man in the moon. You are NOT labeled Chief of Psychiatric Medicine. If you were to see a patient with ---------- disease, you'd probably ask the attending physician or ASK THE PATIENT [who would know a LOT more than you or the previous Yahoo! Answerers about their own problem].

ASK THE PATIENT: The chart apparently did NOT say Manic, Violent, Subject to extreme outbursts etc etc What has Dr. ___________ indicated about your
case in limiting your occupational pursuits?
Fine: Let's go thru some questions and testing...okay?

Meet the patient like anyone else. Hi Mr _______ how are you today?
Ask one of the regular floor nurses, if pt. hospitalized. Just THINK!

Answer 3

Those I have known to have Schizophrenia have been the most interesting people I have talked to. You say you an Occupational therapy asst so Im assuming that is the group part of the day where people paint stuff and then you evaluate how well they can stay on task ect ect. I guess the best way is to gain some patient trust and that is basically listening to what they have to say. Knowing what medications they are on can also help. One guy I knew I would never have guessed schizophrenia he said that if he was on his meds then he doesnt hear any voices. Overall just remain observant and be a good listener.

Answer 4

What are you studying the mentally ill for? Future jobs I guess. the movie Silence Of The Lambs has been a bad example. I am a recovered schizophrenic pt. I have been off meds longer than you have lived. It is possible for some to recover but not according to the mechanics and doctors who are in charge and will answer to the public. They will replace the engine rather than try to fix it. So too our medical people can't play around. They will remove most of the memory before releasing this pt. Remember in 1939 doctors were allowed to have them put to death legally in Germany. We have come a long way but there is no way a mechanic can just hope your car will be driven carefully and send you on your way. This is brief but to the point.

Answer 5

I am a schizophrenic, have been for 40+ years. I would like to be approached as you would any normal person. In the acute (early) phase of the disease when the symptoms are florid they may be withdrawn or apprehensive and talkative but when they're on med's they usually are like anyone else.

Remember we are no more violent than normal people we just have had a "bad Press".

Answer 6

Carefully! Some patients with Schizophrenia are managed well with medications. If they are not, approach them in a non-threating manner. For example, do not stand between them and the door (as not to make them feel trapped). You, need an easy way to esacpe from a potentially dangerous situation as well. If you do not feel comfortable, do not hesitate to ask a nurse or other well trained professional to come with you. I also recommed doing some research on the disease. Good luck.

Answer 7

if you can try to read their chart so you can find out what the pt is like. also,ask the nurse thats taking care of the pt and get some insight and tips on that pt.

whatever you do, do not touch them especially if its the first time you're meeting them (you dont know what they may do to you). just act professional and dont bring up their diagnosis. dont make fun of them.

Answer 8

The first and foremost approach is to have them take their medications. If they are, then I would suggest you treat them like everyone else.
If they aren't taking their meds, forget trying to do anything. They are in their own world. You can't fit your world into theirs.