Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Program Overview

This four-week online course provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for caring for individuals with psychosis, including schizophrenia. Participants engage in interactive lectures, case studies, and discussion forums, equipping them for careers in mental health and supporting individuals with psychosis and their families.

Program Outline

It aims to equip learners with knowledge and skills to support their loved ones experiencing these conditions.

• Objectives:
• Understand the key symptoms and causes of psychosis.
• Grasp the meaning and process of recovery.
• Identify common physical health problems associated with psychosis.
• Recognize the impact of psychosis on individuals in caregiving roles.
• Develop strategies to improve caregiver well-being.
• Learn techniques for reducing communication difficulties in caregiving relationships.
It covers topics like:
• Exploring the potential links between cannabis use and developing psychosis.
• Examining the impact of psychosis on physical health.
• Learning about the mechanisms of action and effects of medications used in psychosis treatment.
• Investigating the experiences of siblings of individuals with psychosis.
• Key symptoms and causes of psychosis.
• Types of psychosis and their impact.
• Treatment options, including medication and psychological interventions.
• Impact of psychosis on physical health.
• Managing stress and self-care for caregivers.
• Role of family and friends in supporting individuals with psychosis.
• Impact of COVID-19 on caregiving experiences.
• Structure: The course consists of four weeks of online modules, with each week focusing on specific aspects of psychosis and caregiving.
• Course Schedule: The course runs from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024.
Participants can start the course at any time during this period.
• Modules: Each week features a dedicated module with specific topics and activities:
• Week 1:
Introduction to psychosis and its impact.
• Week 2: Understanding symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
• Week 3: Physical health, family dynamics, and self-care.
• Week 4: Communication, support strategies, and the impact of COVID-19.

Assessment:

• The course uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate participants' learning:
• Discussion forums: Participants actively engage in discussions with peers and instructors to share experiences and perspectives.
• Reflection activities: Participants critically reflect on their learning and apply concepts to real-world situations.

Teaching:

• The course is led by Dr. Juliana Onwumere, a Reader in Clinical Psychology at King's College London.
• Teaching methods include:
• Interactive lectures:
Dr. Onwumere delivers lectures with opportunities for questions and discussions.
• Case studies: Real-world examples are presented to illustrate key concepts and challenges in psychosis caregiving.
• Guest speakers: Experts in the field of psychosis and mental health share their insights and experiences.
• The course utilizes a collaborative and supportive learning environment where participants can share their experiences and learn from each other.

Careers:

• This course equips participants with knowledge and skills relevant to various careers supporting individuals with psychosis and their families.
• Potential career paths include:
• Mental health worker
• Social worker
• Family therapist
• Peer support specialist
• Advocate for individuals with mental illness
• Researcher in the field of psychosis and mental health

Other:

• The course is designed to be accessible to individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• No prior knowledge of psychosis or caregiving is required to participate.
• The course materials are available in a variety of formats, including video lectures, readings, and discussion forums.