ACT for SZ

Question 1

Outline 6 points about ACT

Answer 1

• The goal of ACT is to reduce hospitalisation rates and help clients adapt to life in the community
• There is a high frequency of patient contact with a 10:1 staff to patient ratio
• Services are available 24 hours a day
• Individualised support focused on independence and recovery
• Offer support with daily activities, such as banking and shopping - treatment of patient in real life setting
• Stress can trigger symptoms such as hallucinations, so by setting them manageable goals, their stress will be reduced along with their symptoms

Question 2

Supporting research?

Answer 2

P- Nishio et al (2013)
E- Found reduced number of hospitalisations in Japan from those undergoing ACT over 1 year
E- Provides evidence that ACT can be an effective treatment for reducing stress of a SZ patient and allowing them to be comfortable in society without flare up of symptoms

Question 3

Weakness?

Answer 3

P- Expensive
E- Not available to all, only available to heavily populated areas where the need is greater
E- Individuals may not have access to this in some areas of the world, making it a less effective treatment for society as a whole

Question 4

Weakness?

Answer 4

P - Masks the cause of SZ
E - ACT does not attempt to cure the cause of SZ instead combines it with antipsychotics to mask symptoms and improve rates of relapse gaining independency
E - Therefore this treatment is not effective due to not addressing cause for SZ

Question 5

Strength?

Answer 5

P - There is no time limit
E - People can choose to stay in ACT as long as they want/need with support 24/7
E - Therefore this is effective as it stays with the patient long-term to help them improve their independence when living with SZ