Managing the Complexities of Schizophrenia & Other Serious Mental Illnesses

Location:  Billerica, MA - Courtyard by Marriott, Billerica

Schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI) are complex clinical syndromes that are frightening to those afflicted, their families, and often, to many mental health practitioners who find these clients frustrating and difficult. High prevalence rates and social impairment make SMI the leading cause of medical disability throughout the world. Treatment results are not always positive, and because adverse effects can contribute to non-adherence, treatment in many cases may be discontinued. Strategies to improve adherence, such as support groups and peer counseling, will be discussed.

Family involvement may be the greatest resource for SMI patients, and early involvement that includes education about the illness is critical. Families need support around issues such as how to prevent violence and isolation, and how to reduce their own guilt, stress and burnout. This workshop will present tools to coach client families on how to avoid, minimize, and manage crises and prevent relapses.

This workshop will also cover best practices in psychiatric rehabilitation tools such as social skills training, supported vocational or employment training, housing, family and peer support, and case management. Workshop participants will:

• Understand the medical workup for first episode psychosis
• Describe the importance of an accurate diagnosis and how this guides treatment
• Gain practical strategies and interventions for working with clients with schizophrenia and SMI and their families
• Be knowledgeable about psychiatric rehabilitation approaches that help patients achieve recovery
• Learn newer evidence-based guidelines for more effective pharmacotherapy treatments

Workshop format will consist of lecture, case examples and discussion.

Instructor:

David C. Henderson, MD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He serves as the Director of The Chester M. Pierce, M.D. Global Psychiatry Division, the Director of the MGH Schizophrenia Diabetes and Weight Reduction Research Program, Director of the Clozapine Program, and Associate Director of the MGH Schizophrenia Program. He has lectured extensively nationally and internationally and has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards.