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Psychological
Patients need to be able to count on others to give them support and share their worries during the initial stage of early psychosis. They also need to talk to people who will help them to solve their problems. That is why psychological intervention is so important in early psychosis treatment. Different forms of supportive counselling and psychological interventions are tailored to meet the individual needs of patients at a particular stage of their condition. Both individual and group psychotherapy is used. The underlying concepts of the therapy can be integrated into the daily lives of patients in order to assist their recovery. For instance, patients are encouraged to return to their studies or work, where they can interact with more people and remain in touch with reality.
Most patients at an early stage of psychosis are treated as outpatients and do not need to be hospitalised. Receiving treatment in the community enables them to enjoy the support and encouragement of their family members and friends, and this helps their recovery. At the same time, they can learn more about their condition and receive regular assessments in outpatient clinics. However, some early psychosis patients do need to be hospitalised for detailed assessment and intensive intervention. The hospital setting also provides them with a more comfortable and relaxed environment in which they can experience a stronger sense of security and stability.
Besides undergoing comprehensive treatment and gaining support from family members and friends, the patients themselves have a key role to play. They should be actively involved in their treatment plans, learn more about early psychosis and its recovery process, and understand how they can help themselves to resume a normal life. They should therefore plan their own treatment in partnership with psychiatric professionals. Sometimes, early psychosis can disrupt their development in various aspects including personal, social, academic or occupational. So it is important to consider the details of how they will resume their normal studies and careers afterwards, as well as how they should handle the worries and stress caused by their condition. Psychiatric professionals will then be able to help them understand their rights and responsibilities, while encouraging them to seek relevant professional advice.
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