FOI 24/25-0367 DOCUMENT 21
Schizophrenia Disability Snapshot SGP KP Publishing
Exported on 2024-10-18 03:14:12
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FOI 24/25-0367 SGP KP Publishing – Schizophrenia Disability Snapshot
Table of Contents
1 Peak body consulted …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 2 What is schizophrenia? …………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 3 Schizophrenia is characterised by symptoms that are grouped as positive, negative and cognitive: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 4 How is schizophrenia diagnosed? …………………………………………………………………………. 7 5 Language and terminology ……………………………………………………………………………………. 8 6 Enabling social and economic participation …………………………………………………………… 9 7 How can I tailor a meeting to suit a participant with schizophrenia?……………………… 10 8 Helpful links ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
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FOI 24/25-0367 SGP KP Publishing – Schizophrenia Disability Snapshot
This Disability Snapshot provides general information about schizophrenia. It will assist you in communicating effectively and supporting the participant in developing their goals in a planning meeting. Each person is an individual and will have their own needs, preferences and experiences that will impact on the planning process. This information has been prepared for NDIA staff and partners and is not intended for external distribution.
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1 Peak body consulted
In developing this resource we consulted with Mental Health Australia.
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2 What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is an established medical disorder that is common worldwide. Up to 1 in 100 people will experience schizophrenia.
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3 Schizophrenia is characterised by symptoms that are grouped as positive, negative and cognitive:
• positive symptoms are intense episodes of psychosis, in which a person may experience auditory and/or sensory hallucinations and delusional beliefs, including paranoia. Psychosis can make it difficult for a person to distinguish between what is real and what isn’t real • negative symptoms are often characterised by reduced expression and/or reduced motivation and/or a reduced capacity to function in everyday life • cognitive symptoms generally relate to attention, memory, verbal skills and may include longer periods of slowed or confused thinking.
Antipsychotic medicines are the main form of treatment for schizophrenia.
It is important to note that people experiencing schizophrenia do not have a split or multiple personalities and they are not inherently more prone to violence. In fact they are more likely to become a victim of violence.
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4 How is schizophrenia diagnosed?
Schizophrenia may take time to diagnose. A person will only receive a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia after experiencing one month of psychotic symptoms and six months of reduced functioning.
A GP or other medical professional might make the initial assessment, and would then refer the person to a specialist, usually a psychiatrist for diagnosis. The specialist might then make a working diagnosis of schizophrenia, so that treatment can begin without delay.
There is no known biological marker for schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is primarily a clinical diagnosis, it is diagnosed by identifying signs and symptoms and monitoring how the symptoms develop over time.
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5 Language and terminology
People living with mental illness don’t like to be defined by their diagnosis, to be stigmatised or have assumptions made about them. Therefore phrases such as ‘schizophrenia sufferer’ or ‘he’s a psychotic’ are inappropriate.
Instead say:
• she lives with schizophrenia • she has had an experience of schizophrenia • he has had an experience of psychosis • person living with schizophrenia • the person has schizophrenia.
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6 Enabling social and economic participation
Support to participate in the community and in work can help prevent social isolation and promote recovery and wellness for people living with schizophrenia. It is important to explore how a person with schizophrenia can be supported to participate in activities, education and employment, taking into consideration their interests and aspirations as an individual.
NDIS supports can assist participants build life skills, capabilities and greater independence. This may include being supported through a vocational ‘discovery’ process to explore their strengths and interests in the context of work, particularly for young people transitioning from school into employment.
Early access to pre-vocational training and employment opportunities can improve long-term outcomes in both employment and education. Peer support from other people living with schizophrenia can also play a key role in improving participation in work and the community.
Volunteering can also be a first step in building confidence and exploring the person’s interests and strengths.
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7 How can I tailor a meeting to suit a participant with schizophrenia?
People experiencing schizophrenia are above all, individuals the same as you and me. No two people with schizophrenia are alike, they will experience schizophrenia in different ways and their needs will vary as much as anyone else. They enjoy family, friends, have a sense of humour, sporting interests and like to participate in all aspects of the community.
Many people living with schizophrenia are indistinguishable from people without the condition and they may not require any special considerations or treatment.
However, a person experiencing schizophrenia may be affected by slowed or confused thinking, or reduced expression, motivation and functioning. They may also experience distressing side- effects of their medication. This may mean the person might require more time than usual to understand what is being said and to compose or express their thoughts.
When meeting with a person with schizophrenia, provide a quiet, respectful and calm environment. Allow the person the time they need. Avoid the temptation to finish their sentences or rush them. Do not assume you know what they need or want.
A person experiencing active psychotic symptoms, delusional beliefs and/or sensory hallucinations may find it very difficult to concentrate and to trust the situation they are in. They may feel irritated, agitated or frightened. Remain calm, show respect and compassion and focus on how they feel, rather than the details of their delusions or hallucinations.
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8 Helpful links
• Spotlight on Schizophrenia — SANE Australia website.
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