Caring For A Young Person Living With Schizophrenia

Having a young person in your family receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be difficult. In this moment, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about caring for somebody with schizophrenia.

Caring for a young person living with schizophrenia can have some unique challenges. We’ve collected some advice and tips below to support you, as you support the person living with schizophrenia.

Education

Some people have concerns that their loved one will struggle with education, or not be able to achieve their goals such as attending university or going into an apprenticeship/employment. However many people living with schizophrenia lead largely normal lives and can be very successful.

You can help your loved one by working with their place of education to make them aware of any time that they may need to take out for appointments, and by speaking to their tutors to find out about any work they need to catch up on.

Medication and attending appointments

Going to a doctor to receive treatment can be unnerving for some young people living with schizophrenia. You can help your loved one by offering them support and encouragement at the clinic.

If your loved one takes oral medication (pills or tablets) then try and make sure that they take them at the correct time each day. They may become frustrated that you remind them frequently. You will find it helps to take the time to explain the importance of taking medication as prescribed by their doctor, and to remind them that you only ask because you care about their wellbeing.

Home life

After being diagnosed and starting treatment, your loved one may need to spend more time at home for a while so they can adjust to their medication. Try and make plans for friends to come and visit, and set up activities with which they can keep themselves busy.

Relapses

Because of the nature of schizophrenia many people will experience a relapse. This is where their symptoms return to a state which is similar to before they started their treatment, which can have long-term consequences on your loved one's functioning. When this happens it is important that you tell their doctor as soon as possible, as the longer they go without treatment, the greater the chance that long-term damage could occur.

How to deal with an upcoming crisis

If you recognise signs in your loved one that indicate that they are going to have an episode, there are a number of steps that you can take:

Contact their healthcare team to let them know as soon as possible, so that they can get the help they need
Help them find a safe place away from stressful situations and too many people – usually this is their home
If you feel like your loved one or the people around them are in danger, go to your local accident and emergency room and ask to see the duty psychiatrist

Work with your loved one to come up with a plan so that you both know exactly what to do if a psychotic episode comes on unexpectedly. Remember to follow the advice of your loved one’s doctor and work with them to come up with a plan that works best for both of you.

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References

[1]

National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management. 2014. CG178.

[2]

APA Clinical Guidelines. American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. 2004.

[3]

Harrigan et al. Psychol Med 2003; 33: 97–110.

[4]

Bottlender et al. Schizophr Res 2003; 62: 37–44.

[5]

Weiden et al. Psychiatr Serv 2004; 55: 886–891.

[6]

Robinson et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999; 56: 241–247.