The West Kent & Medway Early Intervention in Psychosis Service

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Occupational therapy (OT) Occupational Therapy is used to help with activities of daily living such as shopping, cooking, or learning new skills to assist in working towards paid employment or voluntary work. Group therapy Groups can be particularly helpful to counter the sense of aloneness that many clients feel. EIS offers a range of groups, including: Activity-Focused Groups (e.g., the walking group; the sporting recovery group); Support Groups (e.g., the Clients’ Support Group, or the Carers’ Group), and Social Groups. Complementary therapies Art, drama, music, meditation, relaxation, sporting activity and exercise, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology can all help to reduce anxiety and stress and improve physical well being. Drinking alcohol and taking drugs when prescribed antipsychotic medication Alcohol Alcohol combined with anti-psychotic medication can increase levels of sedation or drowsiness. Moderate use of alcohol doesn’t seem to trigger psychotic symptoms. Try to drink no more than the healthy daily alcohol limit:- Men – 4 units Women – 2 or 3 units One unit = ½ pint of lager, 1 small glass of wine, 1 shot of spirits It is advised that you seek advice before driving on anti-psychotic medication. ALWAYS AVOID BINGE DRINKING Medication bought over the counter It is generally safe to take painkillers, paracetamol, aspirin etc…when taking anti-psychotic medication but please consult your doctor or care co-ordinator. 10
Illegal street drugs Cannabis, ecstasy and LSD can increase the symptoms of psychosis and can also counteract the benefits of anti-psychotic medication. Always speak to your doctor, care co-ordinator or chemist about all the drugs you are taking to be sure. Large amounts of nicotine and /or coffee can also trigger symptoms of psychosis. Recovery from psychosis Recovery means different things to different people. It is not always about the complete disappearance of mental distress and symptoms. For some, it means learning to cope with difficulties, gaining control over ones life, achieving goals, developing skills and fulfilling dreams. Recovery from the first episode usually takes a number of months. People with psychosis do recover, though if symptoms remain or return, the recovery process may be prolonged. They can learn to manage their symptoms and live independent, fulfilled lives in the community. The availability of family support and other support systems tend to be crucial for recovery. Recovery statistics With sustained treatment, over 80% of individuals achieve remission of symptoms from their 1st episode of psychosis within six months. A minority, about 10%, need high levels of support and help for many years. Attention to early relapse prevention is vital as two-thirds of people will relapse within three years of first presentation, which can set a cycle of repeated relapse. However, between relapses they will remain well and live a perfectly normal life. Comprehensive programmes to detect and treat early psychosis and to support young people with early psychosis promote recovery and independence and encourage uptake of social, educational and employment opportunities. Two years after diagnosis 90% of individuals report satisfaction 11
Page 1 and 2: Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care
Page 3 and 4: What is psychosis ‘Psychosis’ i
Page 5 and 6: Symptoms may include… Delusions -
Page 7 and 8: The role of your care co-ordinator
Page 9: often related to the stage of the p
Page 13 and 14: A relapse prevention plan A relapse
Page 15 and 16: Triggers Think about your past expe
Page 17 and 18: Hi, my name is Elizabeth. At the ag
Page 19 and 20: Comments on this leaflet If you wis

The West Kent & Medway Early Intervention in Psychosis Service

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