Supporting People With Psychotic Symptoms
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Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents a comprehensive overview of managing psychotic symptoms, particularly in individuals with schizophrenia during the prodromal or remission phases. She emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis to distinguish schizophrenia from other conditions presenting with psychosis, such as encephalitis, brain injuries, and various neurological disorders. Dr. Snipes discusses the interplay between psychotic disorders and health conditions like diabetes, the exacerbation of symptoms due to sleep deprivation, and the significance of recognizing prodromal symptoms for early intervention. She notes that 40 to 60 percent of schizophrenia patients can reach remission and explores the causes of ongoing symptoms, including medication noncompliance and substance-induced psychosis. Stress is identified as a major trigger for acute episodes, and Dr. Snipes suggests injectable antipsychotics as an alternative to oral medication to ensure compliance. She also discusses the impact of various substances on medication metabolism, processed by the cytochrome p 450 enzyme, and the importance of adjusting medication dosages in response to lifestyle changes. Dr. Snipes advises on the necessity of understanding individual relapse warning signs and addressing underlying issues like rejection sensitivity and trauma. She explores varied prodromal symptoms and the importance of creating a sense of safety for patients. Practical strategies for assisting individuals with daily activities include 'GO BY guides,' environmental modifications, and addressing disorganized speech and social withdrawal. Dr. Snipes suggests using token economies to incentivize social interaction and scaffolding to assist in learning new tasks. She recommends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTP) for those in the prodromal phase or with residual symptoms, focusing on the link between mood, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Dr. Snipes reflects on her experiences with patients using substances to cope with symptoms and emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient's perspective. She delves into CBTP, addressing cognitive distortions and encouraging patients to become aware of the patterns of their symptoms. Dr. Snipes concludes by inviting questions and announcing the conversion of her presentation into an on-demand class, which will include a PDF of the journal article detailing the steps in CBTP, available the following week.
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents a comprehensive overview of managing psychotic symptoms, particularly