Education about schizophrenia

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Learning about schizophrenia can help improve the quality of your life by teaching you and your family about:

The causes of schizophrenia and triggers of a relapse.
How to handle symptoms and recognize the first signs of relapse.
The various treatment options and relapse prevention.
The different medications, including side effects, and ways to eliminate or reduce side effects.

In addition, family members need to learn:

What to reasonably expect from the person with schizophrenia and how to handle disruptive or other inappropriate behavior.
How to handle their own fears and concerns and help all family members reduce stress and cope with the illness.
How to handle emergency situations, such as severe symptoms of relapse, and homicidal or suicidal thoughts and/or behavior.
How to make reasonable plans for the family.
How to take care of themselves.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	February 5, 2008

Last updated:	February 05, 2008
Author:	Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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