Article Abstract:
Society, which for the most part neglects schizophrenics and treats them as outcasts, needs to be educated about schizophrenia. It is an illnes which attacks people from all ethnic groups and classes regardless of intelligence, but can be exacerbated by environmental and social circumstances. Schizophrenics suffer strange thoughts, visions, and voices, and can be lonely. The illness is treated mostly by drugs, sometimes neuroleptic drugs, which whilst relieving symptoms can have side-effects, programmes to modify behaviour, electro-convulsive therapy, and long-term hospitalisation. Community care is offered, but its policies do not succeed on all levels. Schizophrenics need love, attention and time, and the opportunity to express themselves.
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Article Abstract:
Social workers do not appear to be fulfilling their legal requirement to address the needs of carers, according to a survey of people caring for schizophrenics in Wales. The 1996 Carers Act gave social workers responsibilities to care for carers and to involve them in care planning. Research has shown that support and education of carers leads to better relationships and fewer hospital admissions for schizophrenics, but the 64 carers surveyed reported poor communication from health and social workers, and carer ill-health related to the strain of caring for the schizophrenic.
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Article Abstract:
A community psychiatric nurse describes a day in his work for the Focus Homeless Outreach Team, Camden and Islington Community NHS Trust, London. His day begins with a session at a hostel in central London which houses 120 single men, followed by visits to other clients and further street outreach work. He feels his work is stimulating and challenging and that it has widened his mental health nursing and case management skills.
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