Caregiver Support Group Resources
June 2024
Rx Information
Amantadine
Information from Drugs.com about this antiviral medication that is also utilized to treat symptoms like stiffness, tremors, and uncontrolled muscle movements.
What does time-release mean in terms of drug consumption?
Information from the Desert Hope Treatment Center describing the role of time-release medications.
Clozapine Levels
A resource discussing variables that influence blood plasma clozapine levels.
Aripiprazole
A continuing education activity reviewing indications, action, and contraindications of aripiprazole, a second-generation antipsychotic medication.
Ketogenic Diet
Information about the ketogenic diet
Dr. Chris Palmer's website and his book discussing the potential role of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for schizophrenia. SeizingPsych does not provide medical advice and encourages clients to consult their care team before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.
Early treatment of psychosis and Coordinated Specialty Care
What is Coordinated Specialty Care?
An overview of the Coordinated Specialty Care treatment model that combines shared decision-making, medication management, psychotherapy, case management, psychoeducation, and support among other services. Articles hosted by Psychiatric News (American Psychiatric Association Publishing), as well as the National Institute of Mental Health.
OnTrack Maryland
A program in Maryland offering care for adolescents and young adults experiencing troubling thoughts and changes in behavior associated with psychosis. They provide psychoeducation, medication management, crisis management, assistance finding jobs, among other services.
Social Services to Adults Program
A program hosted by the Maryland Department of Human Services providing case management programming to vulnerable adults.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP)
What are Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs?
An overview of the goals, missions, and values of PRPs provided by the Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration.
Finding PRPs in Maryland: Sheppard Pratt Care Finder
Family Support Resource
SZ Support House
Recovery support for family members and caregivers of individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (site hosted by Psychology Today). Services provided by a licensed LCPC.
Psychoeducation
"Triggers": Understanding Mental Health Triggers
An article provided by Campus Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that describes what mental health triggers are, the responses they evoke, how to help someone who experiences a trigger, and methods to cope when exposed to a trigger.
August 2024
Book & Guide Recommendations
I'm Not Sick, I Don't Need Help
A book that provides a strategy for talking to your loved one experiencing psychosis developed by Dr. Xavier Amdador. This book can be read alone or in conjunction with other resources teaching families and clinicians about the LEAP approach (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) from the Leap Institute.
Click Here for the LEAP Institute
Click Here for a free sample (50 pages) of the book from the LEAP Institute
The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia: Helping Your Loved One Get the Most Out of Life
Description from Amazon: "Will the person you love ever get better? Chances are you've grappled with the question. With care and support from their families, people with schizophrenia can and do make vast improvements. Noted therapists Kim Mueser and Susan Gingerich deepen your understanding of the illness and cover a wide range of effective treatments."
"Late-Onset" Schizophrenia (Ages 40+)
Late-Onset First-Episode Psychosis: Does It Have a Better Outcome
The abstract of a Brief Report published in the peer-reviewed journal The Primary Care Companion: For CNS Disorders, available on Psychiatrist.com discussing outcomes for patients living with schizophrenia diagnosed after age 40.
Late-Onset Schizophrenia and Very-Late-Onset Schizophrenia-Like Psychosis: An International Consensus
Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, this article describes a literature review and the development of a consensus statement summarizing the findings of a two-day discussion by members of the International Late-Onset Schizophrenia Group.
Maryland: Finding Medicaid Providers
Maryland Health Connection
The phone number for the Maryland Health Connection, a resource facilitating connections to providers that accept Medicaid.
Call: 1(855) 642-8572
Maryland: Early Intervention Programs (EIP)
Maryland Early Intervention
The Maryland Early Intervention Program (EIP) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine offers specialized programs with expertise in the early identification, evaluation, and comprehensive psychiatric treatment of adolescents and young adults at risk for, or in the early stages of, a mental illness with psychosis.
OnTrack Maryland
OnTrack Maryland at Sheppard Pratt, utilizes an integrated approach to address the educational, employment, physical, and mental health needs of young adults experiencing psychosis, including managing issues with substance use. Interventions in this two year program include psychoeducational, medication management, assistance with job acquisition, behavioral interventions, crisis management, and connections to local resources.
Maryland: Employment Services
Maryland DORS Program: Supported Employment
DORS is supported by the Maryland State Dep. of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services. One of the tools DORS uses to assist consumers with mental health disabilities is Supported Employment. In a Supported Employment situation, job seekers with disabilities are given on-going support after they begin working, through activities such as training, supervision, and help with adjustment to the work environment, to ensure an employer’s satisfaction with the new employee’s work performance.
Legal Assistance
Good Samaritan Advocates
A non-profit organization that offers 90 minutes of free legal advice.
Special Needs and Elder Care Attorney
A group member recommended Mary Jo Broussard Speier as an attorney. SeizingPsych does not endorse any individual lawyer or organization.
Mary Jo Broussard Speier: (301) 468-5657
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT and Other Procedures for Schizophrenia
A general overview of ECT and similar procedures by WebMD.
Myth Busting: Spreading the Truth About ECT
An article from McLean Hospital breaking down the stigma surrounding ECT reporting ECT associated memory loss is typically short-term, and sometimes memory improves a couple of months later (associated with decreased symptoms).
Cognitive side-effects of electroconvulsive therapy: What are they, how to monitor them and what to tell patients
An article published in the peer-reviewed journal BJPsych Open in 2020. This is a review by a committee of clinical and academic experts in Australia and New Zealand. Their meta-analyses suggest that new learning is impaired immediately following ECT but that group mean scores return at least to baseline by 14 days after ECT.
Psychoeducation
Anosognosia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
Mental Illness and Violence
If your loved one gives you a reason to believe they are a danger to yourself or other, you can call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team officer in Maryland - police officers who are trained in mental health. A large body of data discussed in the following article from StatPearls suggests people with mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violent crime than perpetrators. If they were to hurt someone, they are more likely to harm themselves than someone else, and many times it is due to fear
Insight and Psychosis
A review published in the peer-reviewed journal Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine defines and discusses what insight is in the context of psychosis.
Hearing Voices Activity
Hearing Distressing Voices
Information about the Hearing Distressing Voices activity created by Pat Deegan.
Family Support Resource
SZ Support House
Recovery support for family members and caregivers of individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (site hosted by Psychology Today). Services provided by a licensed LCPC.
July 2024
Managing Delusions
I'm Not Sick, I Don't Need Help
A book that provides a strategy for talking to your loved one experiencing psychosis developed by Dr. Xavier Amdador. This book can be read alone or in conjunction with other resources teaching families and clinicians about the LEAP approach (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) from the Leap Institute.
Click Here for the LEAP Institute
Click Here for a free sample (50 pages) of the book from the LEAP Institute
Managing Delusions
A website from the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society discussing five components to consider when helping a loved one manage delusions.
Beck Institute: What is Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R)
A strengths-based approach that focuses on activating adaptive modes of living, developing meaningful aspirations, and engaging in personally meaningful activities to bring about one’s desired life. The formulation in CT-R contextualizes challenges within the scope of an individual’s interests, values, and aspirations.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
A website from the American Psychological Association (APA) that outlines the core use and principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Feeling Safe Program
Information about the Feeling Safe Program, a new evidence-based CBT program for patients with psychosis.
Click Here for information from the University of Oxford
Click here for information from Sally Riggs clinic in New York
Types of Delusions
NIH NCBI StatPearls resource describes common types of delusions in the "History and Physical" section.
How Frequent is Chronic Multiyear Delusional Activity and Recovery in Schizophrenia: A 20-Year Multi-follow-up
A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Schizophrenia Bulletin that assessed the persistence of delusions in a 200-patient study over 20 years.
Media
A History of Delusions Podcast
Experimental psychologist Daniel Freeman explores cases of delusion.
Navigating Transitional Ages and College with Schizophrenia
Navigating Schizophrenia in College
A narrative account of recovering from schizophrenia and returning to college published in the peer-reviewed journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood in patients with schizophrenia: Challenges, opportunities and recommendations
An Expert Opinion Paper published in the peer-reviewed journal European Neuropsychopharmacology that examines the main aspects of transitioning from adolescent to adult services and how to overcome challenges to continuity of care.
When Your Child Becomes a Transitional-Aged Youth: Advice for Families
An article published by the American Psychiatric Association that provides tips to families to help ensure a smooth transition when a loved one seeks increased independence, particularly during teenage and young adult stages of life.
Family Support Resource
SZ Support House
Recovery support for family members and caregivers of individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (site hosted by Psychology Today). Services provided by a licensed LCPC.
May 2024
Psychoeducation
Anosognosia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
Talking to Your Loved One
The LEAP Approach (Developed by Dr. Xavier Amador)
A brief overview of the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach.
Other Non-Profit Resources
CureSZ: Comprehensive Understanding via Research and Education into Schizophrenia
The CURESZ Foundation believes that the central issue is to deliver the highest quality, evidence-based care to those who need it, in order to help them to recover from their illness, and return to school or work or volunteering, so they can have a meaningful and productive life. Once they engage in the right treatment plan and return to their baseline, it is vital that they will adhere fully to their treatment for the long term.
Team Daniel
A non-profit organization providing information, hope, and community.
Cannabis Use & Psychosis
Fact Sheet: Cannabis and Psychosis
A fact sheet on cannabis and psychosis from Yale School of Medicine and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction.
Studying the Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Psychosis in Young Adults
A Q&A with the University of Colorado director of the Program for Early Assessment, Care and Study for people at risk for psychosis and their families.
Resources on Available Resources
Treatment Advocacy Center
A list of resources available in Maryland from the Treatment Advocacy Center.
Human Services
Humanim
Humanim has over 35 diverse but interconnected programs and services. Below is a link to their contact information for Maryland offices. Their programs include workforce development, human services (related to behavioral health and vocational services to help children, adolescents, adults and older adults develop life skills for independence and self-sufficiency), youth services, and social enterprise.
April 2024
Keto Diet and Mental Illness
Ketogenic diet for schizophrenia: clinical implication
A review published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Opinion in Psychiatry (2019) on the clinical implications of the ketogenic diet for schizophrenia. The full article is behind a paywall, please reach out to SeizingPsych for information about access.
Sleep, mood disorders, and the ketogenic diet: potential therapeutic targets for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
A full-text review published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024) that discusses the ketogenic diet for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, including the current data in the field and addressing the need for clinical trials.
Book: Brain Energy
This book was authored by Dr. Chris Palmer, who identified the ketogenic diet as a possible intervention for psychiatric diagnoses. Addresses mental illness as a metabolic disorder of the brain.
Ongoing Recruiting Studies: Ketogenic & Nutritional Interventions for Bipolar Disorder (as of April 2024)
A study recruiting at Mass General (Boston) that is currently recruiting and funded by the Baszucki family.
Resources from those developing ketogenic therapies for schizophrenia
Dr. Chris Palmer's website and the Metabolic Mind YouTube Channel are linked below. Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative developed by the Baszucki Group. SeizingPsych does not provide medical advice and encourages clients to consult their care team before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.
Other Non-Profit Resources
CureSZ: Comprehensive Understanding via Research and Education into Schizophrenia
The CURESZ Foundation believes that the central issue is to deliver the highest quality, evidence-based care to those who need it, in order to help them to recover from their illness, and return to school or work or volunteering, so they can have a meaningful and productive life. Once they engage in the right treatment plan and return to their baseline, it is vital that they will adhere fully to their treatment for the long term.
Voices of Hope
A 501(c)3 non-profit recovery community organization made of people in recovery, family members and allies who support recovery throughout Maryland, but primarily in Cecil and Harford Counties.
Mental Health Disorders & Weight Gain
Treatment of Clozapine-associated weight gain: a systemic review
A peer-reviewed review published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2015) discussing treatment of weight gain associated with clozapine, including sex differences. This article is behind a paywall, please contact SeizingPsych for information about access.
Mental Health Disorders, Weight, and Exercise Article
An article by news-medical.net providing an overview of mental health disorders and weight gain.
CPRS: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Maryland Certification
Information from the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral Health Professional Certification Board on how to become a CPRS in the state of Maryland.
Clozapine Dosing
A Guide to the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Clozapine
Information from the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Mental Health Services Clozapine Review Group (in the United Kingdom) on how Clozapine is dosed including plasma levels, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. SeizingPsych does not provide medical advice and encourages clients to consult their care team before beginning or changing any treatment regimen. The strategies contained in this informational sheet may differ from those utilized in the United States.
Cochrane Database: Clozapine dose for Schizophrenia
A peer-reviewed article comparing the efficacy and tolerability of clozapine at different doses published in the esteemed Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. SeizingPsych does not provide medical advice and encourages clients to consult their care team before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.
Psychoeducation
Anosognosia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
Media
Three Moms in the Trenches Podcast
A podcast featuring moms with children who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Regularly updated. Listen on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you can find it!)
March 2024
Book & Guide Recommendations
The First Episode Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and Their Families
“The First Episode of Psychosis is the ideal book for patients experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis, which often occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood, and which affects nearly 3% of all people over the course of their lifetime. The book covers a range of disorders, focusing on primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, clearly describing symptoms, early warning signs, and treatment--information that is essential for patients and families faced with the challenges posed by psychosis.”
The Center Cannot Hold
"The Center Cannot Hold is the eloquent, moving story of Elyn's life, from the first time that she heard voices speaking to her as a young teenager, to attempted suicides in college, through learning to live on her own as an adult in an often terrifying world. Saks discusses frankly the paranoia, the inability to tell imaginary fears from real ones, the voices in her head telling her to kill herself (and to harm others), as well as the incredibly difficult obstacles she overcame to become a highly respected professional."
A Beautiful Mind
"The true story of John Nash, the mathematical genius who was a legend by age thirty when he slipped into madness, and who—thanks to the selflessness of a beautiful woman and the loyalty of the mathematics community—emerged after decades of ghostlike existence to win a Nobel Prize for triggering the game theory revolution. The inspiration for an Academy Award–winning movie, Sylvia Nasar’s now-classic biography is a drama about the mystery of the human mind, triumph over adversity, and the healing power of love." A Beautiful Mind was also adapted into a major motion picture.
The Journey to Independence
MarylandABLE
Maryland ABLE accounts provide a way to help individuals with disabilities save money and pay for qualified disability-related expenses without jeopardizing state or federal means-tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid.
SSA Spotlight on ABLE Programs
Chronically Capable
A program working to remove the fear and stigma of living with chronic illness or disability from the hiring process. They aim to create a tacit understanding between employers and jobseekers: employers who are part of our network believe that people living with chronic illness or disability are capable of being productive employees—and jobseekers who use the platform can feel secure that participating employers care about their success.
Sibling Narratives
Filling the Void: The Role of Adult Siblings Caring for a Brother or Sister With Severe Mental Illness
An article from Glob Qual Nurs Res. on the role of adult siblings caring for a family member with a mental illness. This is more in the context of siblings acting as primary caregivers but includes interesting first-person narrative stories.
Talking to Your Loved One
The LEAP Approach (Developed by Dr. Xavier Amador)
A brief overview of the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach.
A collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.
NIDDK Principles of Motivational Interviewing
Medication can help you make the most of therapy - a psychologist and neuroscientist explains how
An article written by a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist providing information about how medical therapy can positively influence psychotherapy - the "synergies in combined treatment."
Students with Disabilities
Protecting Students with Disabilities
Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The resources include an informational website from ed.gov as well as an example letter requesting a 504 plan for a student.
Example Letter Requesting a 504 Plan
Advanced Directive
Advanced Directive for Mental Health (Ages 18+)
A document to complete that helps establish care should your loved one lack the capacity to make informed decisions about their own health care.
Psychoeducation
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
Information from Stat Pearls about confabulation or the symptom of a neuropsychiatric disorder wherein a patient generates a false memory without the intention of deceit. Confabulation can also be caused by Korsakoff syndrome (caused by thiamine deficiency).
Information from VeryWell Health on delusions. "A delusion is a strongly-held or fixed false belief that conflicts with reality. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines delusions as fixed beliefs that are not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidence."
February 2024
Stories of Lived Experience
Awakenings: Stories of Recovery and Emergence from Schizophrenia (Book Recommendation)
Awakenings tells the stories of 28 remarkable “Survivors” who live in recovery and thrive despite being diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia. Those individuals are highly functioning members of society, with different talents, hopes and dreams.
Beyond Schizophrenia: Living and Working with a Serious Mental Illness
"As a researcher of economics and disability and the mother of a son with schizophrenia, the author speaks from both professional and personal experience. First, she looks at societal factors that affect employment outcomes for persons with schizophrenia (or other serious mental illness), including stigma and discrimination, investments in human capital, the quality of mental health services, and the support of family and friends. Then she examines workplace factors that affect employment outcomes, including employer mandates in the Americans with Disabilities Act, the decision to disclose a diagnosis of mental illness at work, the interaction between job demands and functional limitations, and job accommodations for persons with a serious mental illness. Giving weight to both perspectives, the final chapter outlines a set of policy recommendations designed to improve employment outcomes for this population."
Anxiety, Depression & Positive Psychotic Symptoms
A systemic review of the field about associations between anxiety and depression and positive psychotic symptoms.
Overview of Anxiety and Psychosis
A straightforward overview of psychosis and anxiety as well as how they relate to each other.
Maryland Early Intervention Program
The newsletter for the Maryland EIP (at time of post, next Advisory Council meeting is May 29th, 2024, 1-3:00 PM on Zoom).
Medicaid and Support Resources
Information about eligibility for Medicaid based on diagnosis when income or assets otherwise exceed SSI levels.
AARP Supporting Maryland Family Caregivers
Information about programming that compensates caregivers, information published by AARP.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing for Loved Ones
Information about what Motivational Interviewing is and opportunities to train as a caregiver.
January 2024
Talking to Your Loved One
The LEAP Approach (Developed by Dr. Xavier Amador)
A brief overview of the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach.
PDF of the Book Courtesy of NAMI
Marijuana Products & Schizophrenia
Healthline.com details the difference between the marijuana concentrates of Delta 8, 9, and 10..
A peer-reviewed journal article in World Psychiatry summarizing research that describes the positive relationship between marijuana use and the development of psychosis.
Resources about Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
A peer-reviewed review in the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment journal outlining what the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are, and how they are assessed, recognized, and treated. Briefly, the negative symptom domain consists of five key constructs: blunted affect, alogia (reduction in the number of words spoken), avolition (reduced goal-directed activity due to decreased motivation), asociality, and anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure).
Early Integrated Intervention Clinic in Maryland
OnTrack Maryland
Information about OnTrack Maryland, a two-year early intervention program aimed at adolescents and young adults experiencing psychosis. Interventions include psychoeducation, medication management, behavioral interventions, crisis management, and more.
Maryland Early Intervention Program
The University of Maryland's EIP website. Find information about the purpose and mission of the program, their integrated approach, resources, newsletter, and online contact forms.
Inspiration
Living Well With Schizophrenia: Good Days and Bad Days
We all have good days and bad days, but the difference between the two is usually magnified by mental illness. In this video, Lauren describes the difference between good days and bad days living with schizophrenia.
Living Well With Schizophrenia channel: Click Here
Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy
What is Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy
This web page from the Beck Institute defines Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) and differentiates it from the more recognizable Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CTBp).
Motivational Interviewing
Learn About Motivational Interviewing For Loved Ones
Motivational Interviewing is a tool of communication that better equips a person to persuade another into a behavior.
December 2023
Clozapine Side Effects
Clozapine and gastrointestinal side-effects
A resource from Clozaril Connect about the GI side effects associated with Clozapine including nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, dry mouth, and parotid gland enlargement. Largely focuses on upper GI side effects.
Therapy Practices
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
A fact sheet about DBT or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and a resource from the Cleveland Clinic providing information about the goals of DBT to help people accept their lives, and learn to change them, particularly in the context of unhelpful behaviors.
An abstract from the APA PsycNet about CBFT, a form of therapy that assists with behavioral changes in the context of the family environment. “It assumes that family relationships, cognitions, behaviors, and emotions have a mutual influence on one another.”
Resources about Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
Media
Three Moms in the Trenches Podcast
A podcast featuring moms with children who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Regularly updated. Listen on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you can find it!)
November 2023
Clozapine Side Effects
The effect of clozapine on self-reported sleep duration
A peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2021 providing descriptive data on sleep, clozapine, and its interaction with up to 23 other medications in a 5-year study. Contact SeizingPsych for access to the complete article.
The role of adjunctive fluvoxamine therapy to attenuate clozapine side effects
This month we discussed the option of adjunctive fluvoxamine (Luvox) therapy and its potential to reduce side effects of clozapine.
- The first resource is an overview of fluvoxamine as it is used to treat OCD and recommendations for use.
- The second resource is a peer-reviewed clinical trial published in Schizophrenia Research in 2018 providing evidence for the reduction of weight gain and metabolic side effects in patients with schizophrenia when co-prescribed fluvoxamine and clozapine.
- The last resource is a peer-reviewed review published in Neurology International in 2021. This resource may be more useful for the aficionados but does provide a comprehensive overview for anyone interested. It provides information about selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - the class of medication fluvoxamine falls in - as well as the role of fluvoxamine as an inhibitor of a cytochrome P450 enzyme to increase plasma clozapine, and the potential serious side effect of serotonin syndrome that can occur when SSRIs and other medications result in too much serotonin in the system, among other topics.
As always, discuss all medical and medication options with your provider and care team.
Click for the Fluvoxamine Overview from WebMD
Click for the Fluvoxamine x Clozapine 2018 Clinical Trial
Family Therapy
Multifamily Group Treatment for Schizophrenia
A peer-reviewed review published in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy in 2009 and provides information about Multifamily Group Treatment also known as the McFarlane model.
October 2023
Talking to Your Loved One
The LEAP Approach (Developed by Dr. Xavier Amador)
A brief overview of the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach.
PDF of the Book Courtesy of NAMI
Disability Resources
University of Richmond
Information from the University of Richmond about their on-campus disability services.
Clozapine Side Effects
Clozapine Induced Constipation
A peer-reviewed review of a case report and management guidelines for clozapine use and clozapine induced constipation.
Resources about Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Anosognosia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
Negative Symptoms
A peer-reviewed review in the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment journal outlining what the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are, how they are assessed, recognized and treated. Briefly, the negative symptom domain consists of five key constructs: blunted affect, alogia (reduction in the quantity of words spoken), avolition (reduced goal-directed activity due to decreased motivation), asociality, and anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure).
Team Daniel
Team Daniel Running for Recovery from Mental Illness
A non-profit organization providing information, hope, and community.
Early Integrated Intervention Clinic in Maryland
Information about OnTrack Maryland, a two-year early intervention program aimed at adolescents and young adults experiencing psychosis. Interventions include psychoeducation, medication management, behavioral interventions, crisis management, and more.
Maryland Early Intervention Program
The University of Maryland's EIP website. Find information about the purpose and mission of the program, their integrated approach, resources, newsletter, and online contact forms.
Inspiration
The profile and a list of work by Nev Jones, a mental health services researcher and community psychologist with a focus on community-based mental health services, crisis response, racial/ethnic/structural inequities, participatory methods, and the phenomenology and sociocultural determinants of psychosis, disability, and recovery. Strongly committed to stakeholder participation in all aspects of mental health policy and research and the work of a deep re-imagining
September 2023
Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) clinics
NIMH information page about RAISE clinics
An informational page about RAISE clinics from the National Institute on Mental Health. Describes the impact of RAISE clinics and the coordinated specialty care provided by these clinics, as well as additional resources.
Self-Love and Confidence in Recovery
Loving Yourself After Psychosis, Healing, and Moving Forward
A blog piece available by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) describing how to find self-love while moving forward in recovery from psychosis.
My Path to Accepting Mental Illness
A blog piece available from NAMI about recovery and what it's like to rebuild life skills and identity during recovery from psychosis.
Cannabis & Other Drugs of Abuse
Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report: Is there a link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders?
Brief informational article about cannabis and psychiatric disorders (including psychosis) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Drugs of Abuse Guide
DEA drugs of abuse resource guide for general information about hallucinogens/psychedelics, as well as marijuana/cannabis, and other drugs of abuse.
Anosognosia
What is Anosognosia
Articles from Cleveland Clinic and NAMI detailing what Anasognosia is and its role in mental illness. Generally, it is a symptom "where the brain can't recognize one or more other health conditions you have." It is commonly perceived as denial on behalf of the patient by loved ones and caregivers.
SPECT Imaging
SPECT Scan Overview
Brief informational article what SPECT imaging (a kind of nuclear imaging that uses radioactive substances to detect blood flow and make interpretations about organ function) from the Mayo Clinic.
An in-depth look at SPECT scans
For aficionados with some knowledge about some of the brain's neurotransmitters, this peer-edited review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry discusses how SPECT looks at different biochemical systems in the brain. As an aside, it's important to know that we have an understanding that these systems contribute to the biology of psychiatric disease but we are still learning what that means, what the underlying mechanisms of disease are, and how these systems interact with each other.
Talking to Your Loved One
The LEAP Approach (Developed by Dr. Xavier Amador)
A brief overview of the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach.
PDF of the Book Courtesy of NAMI
Roll with Resistance Technique in Motivational Interviewing
Roll with Resistance is a motivational interviewing approach that may help people change habitual behavior that is causing problems for them or others. It helps the person feel heard and come up with alternative options.
Inspiration
The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner - reminds us to take a step back and wring out our kitchen sponge.
Click Here: Dr. Gbowee Nobel Prize Page
Click Here: A Brief Video of Dr. Gbowee talking about healing
August 2023
Clozapine
Metabolic differences between Asian and Caucasian patients on clozapine
A peer-reviewed article from Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental describing differences in common metabolic outcomes between people who are Asian and Caucasian.
Angry Moms: We Are Being Heard
An article detailing updates on the Angry Moms organization's project to combat clozapine REMS.
CHAMPION-ECHO study
An article titled "Researchers Launch Study to Improve Prescribing of Clozapine for More Effective Management of Schizophrenia" featuring Dr. Deanna Kelly's CHAMPION-ECHO project at the Univeristy of Maryland.
Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R)
What is Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy
A description from the Beck Institute detailing the goals of CT-R, who it can help, and how it is used in treatment. Ultimately, CT-R seeks to actualize adaptive and desired modes of living through participation in daily activities and can be particularly helpful for individuals with mental illness who have difficulty accessing motivation .
Capgras Syndrome
Capgras Syndrome chapter from StatPearls
A resource describing Capgras Syndrome, a delusional misidentification syndrome where someone believes there are identical doubles of someone close to them. Common in schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, a variety of dementias, as well as other psychiatric and non-psychiatric diagnoses.
Counseling Center (Maryland)
Columbia Counseling Center Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing
Information about the Columbia Counseling Center psych testing programs. CCC provides psychological and psychiatric services
July 2023
Antipsychotics Side Effects: Weight Gain
Managing weight gain from psychotic medications
An article from Harvard Health Publishing describing the kinds of antipsychotic medications, why they contribute to weight gain and obesity-associated diseases, and strategies to manage weight gain.
Prescription Drugs for OCD
Fluvoxamine
A brief description of the use and mechanism of fluvoxamine (Luvox) for OCD. Source: Mayo Clinic
Maryland Early Intervention Program (EIP)
Maryland EIP Webpage
The University of Maryland's EIP website. Find information about the purpose and mission of the program, their integrated approach, resources, newsletter, and online contact forms.
Clozapine & the Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
Clozapine REMS Webpage
Information for patients, pharmacists, and providers about the updated Clozapine REMS. To receive treatment, a patient must be enrolled in the Clozapine REMS program by a certified provider.
The Angry Moms
An advocacy organization dedicated to making Clozapine accessible to those who need it. There is also a form for reporting problems in obtaining Clozapine through their website.
Comparative Effectiveness of Clozapine and Standard Antipsychotic Treatment in Adults with Schizophrenia
A peer-edited article published in the American Journal of Psychiatry comparing the effectiveness of initiating Clozapine or standard antipsychotic therapy in adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Psychiatrists in Maryland
US News Health Listings
A list of providers in Gaithersburg, Maryland by US News Health.
Carolyn Howell, MD
The website for Dr. Carolyn Howell who is experienced in complicated psychopharmacology and medication management as well as several forms of therapy.
Team Daniel
Team Daniel Running for Recovery from Mental Illness
A non-profit organization providing information, hope, and community.
Bed Bugs
Baltimore City Health Department
Information about bed bug infestations and treatment from the Baltimore City Health Department. The bottom of the page also has a contact form and contact information to reach out to the Health Department.
SOAR
Maryland SOAR Initiative
Webpage for the Maryland SOAR initiative, which aims to increase access to disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration for adults who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.
June 2023
Disclosure
Sharing Your Story Safely Article
A few small considerations for those thinking about sharing their experience as a caregiver.
Advanced Directives
Maryland Attorney General on Advance Directives in Maryland
A link where you can find the correct forms and instructions for advance directives in the state of Maryland. Additionally, there is information about the utility of an advance directive and how it is defined.
Colorado Advance Directives Website
Information about advance directives in Colorado as well as guidance as to when they are appropriate and what tools are available to individuals and caregivers.
Pennsylvania Advanced Directives Informational Packet
This PDF provides information and forms for the Mental Health Advanced Directive in Pennsylvania.
Maryland Residential Rehabilitation Program
Maryland Residential Rehabilitation Application
A PDF of the current Maryland Residential Rehabilitation Application and its instructions.
Loneliness
Social Enhancement Workbook
A workbook intended for individuals living with a disability with the support of a case manager or support person to help increase participation in activities in the community.
Finding Friendship with Schizophrenia Article
An article by HealthyPlace on finding friendship while living with schizophrenia.
Experiences of friendships of young people with first-episode psychosis: A qualitative study
A peer-edited article published in Plos One about the importance of focusing on supporting the development of opportunities and skills needed for social relationships following an episode of psychosis.
Beyond Recovery: Exploring Growth in the Aftermath of Psychosis
An opinion article published in Frontiers in Psychiatry about the various kinds of growth after episodes of psychosis and the changes that are required by and accompany them.
April 2023
Loneliness
Tips to Manage Loneliness Article
Article that gives practical tips to help manage feelings of loneliness and other places for support.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Match
A national resource that helps find virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities in your area. Sort by location, cause, skills, and demographic.
Volunteer with Tech Impact
A volunteer organization that is seeking volunteers to share expertise with nonprofits and aspiring IT professionals.
Maryland Sierra Club
A non-profit organization with volunteer activities focused on environmental conservation.
Maryland Food Bank
The Maryland Food Bank has volunteer opportunities for individuals and small groups.
Maryland Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism
This site provides a list of organizations in Maryland with volunteer opportunities as well as other information about service opportunities in Maryland.
Maryland: ArcGIS Map of Volunteer Opportunities
This site provides a map displaying volunteer organizations.
Psych Education: Vocab & More
PRP: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
A licensed program the provides community-based rehabilitation and recovery services to support integration into the community and use of its resources. Employs evidence-based services and helps with daily life skills, work, and social functioning. The goal is to both reduce hospital admission and improve quality of life and outcomes for people living with severe mental illness.
Click Here for Maryland PRP standards and goals
University of Maryland Medical Center Programs
Anosognosia
A condition where a person is unaware of their neurological or psychiatric condition. It is associated with mental illness, dementia, and structural brain lesion. It can affect awareness of judgment, emotions, memory, and other important skills necessary for daily functioning.
More Information from StatPearls
Psychology Today: The Importance of Insight
DUP: Duration of Untreated Psychosis
A brief article describing what duration of untreated psychosis is and out it relates to outcomes, namely that DUP greater than 9 months is associated with more severe symptoms.
Often impacted by some severe mental health diagnoses, executive function refers to skills that inform the capacity to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple-step directions even when interrupted, and stay focused despite distractions, among others. Additional information is provided below by NAMI Montana.
May 2023
Disclosure
Mental Illness Disclosure in the Workplace
Clinical review article from American Health and Drug Benefits on the opportunities for improvement.
The Three Cs of Disclosing Serious Mental Illness at Work
Review article from Psychiatric Services describing a framework for analyzing factors that influence decisions to disclose a serious mental illness.
Can I be fired for my mental illness?
Informational article from Mental Health America describing how to disclose an illness in a way that you can be supported in the case that the employer discriminates, what kind of advantages come from disclosing, as well as other considerations that you should be aware of.
Meditation
Headspace
A meditation app for everyone from beginners to veteran mediators available for your phone to help you incorporate meditation into your daily routine. This app does have an associated fee, but a free trial is available for first-time users.
Free Guided Meditations
Available from the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, these meditations are not limited to people caring for people diagnosed with cancer. They are freely available online and guided. Meditations range from those to help initiate change in your life to others focused on relaxation or sleep aids.
Sleep Hygiene
Managing Insomnia for Caregivers
Available through the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this 6-minute read provides information about insomnia and caregiving, as well as 8 tips for sleep hygiene that focus on caregivers' needs and situations. These tips certainly are not restricted to cancer and make for a worthwhile read.
Sleep Aids
Of course, the care team's recommendations come first! SeizingPsych never provides medical advice, but this resource does provide additional ideas about alternative sleep aids. Many herbs still need to be studied to better understand if they help, but anecdotally, some people report that they do aid with sleep. Always be sure to consult the doctor about these kinds of supplements to be sure they're safe to use while taking prescriptions.
Adult Children Caring for Aging Parents
40 Resources for Adult Children Caring for Aging Parents
Caring for a parent who is aging, especially one experiencing dementia, can take a lot of time. This article from Senior Lifestyle provides 40 resources - ranging from articles to associations and apps - for caregivers of aging parents. These resources range from those to help the caregiver develop community to those that help ensure the health and safety of their parent.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
MentalHealthCenters.net
To find a PRP near you, search your city, county, or zipcode on this resource. When you search, it will return a list of clinics and PRPs in your area along with a brief description of the kinds of care available at each center.
Psych Education: Vocab & More
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is composed of more than just our mental and physical well-being, although those are commonly focused on. These resources describe the 8 dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental, spiritual, vocational, and financial). In some cases, it can be helpful to focus on different areas of wellness when we or our loved ones are struggling.
Click Here for a video from Northwestern
Click Here for an article describing the 8 dimensions
March 2023
What Happens to My Loved One if I Have an Emergency?
What if something happens to me? Article
Article about "What if..." including some critical to-do lists about how to prepare for care if the caregiver has an emergency. Published on Caregiver.org.
Pennsylvania Elder Law Helpline
This resource has an elder law helpline that may be able to assist with understanding how to make a plan for a loved one should something happen to their caregiver.
HartyFinancial Special Needs Planning
A financial planning team with expertise in helping families plan for the future in special circumstances. While this team specializes in families with children with special needs, they are connected in the community and may be able to provide other services or recommendations as well.
Talking to Your Loved One
WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Workbook
A workbook provided by NAMI Rockland for developing a wellness recovery action plan including blank forms and worksheets. Completing these plans with your loved one can help keep everyone on the same page and working toward mutual goals.
Boundaries for Caregivers
Decisional Balance Worksheet
A strategy for weighing decisions and instituting change in habits and lifestyle. This kind of process can help a caregiver identify when and how to make changes in boundaries as circumstances change over time. This resource includes an example, as well as a blank, printable worksheet.
February 2023
Self-Care for Caregivers
Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
A guide to self-care from the Family Caregiver Alliance. This guide includes recommendations for identifying barriers, being responsible for your own care, and 8 tools to move forward and develop a healthy self-care regimen as a caregiver.
Hallow App
For those of the Catholic faith, this app provides a platform for Catholic meditation and prayer.
Headspace App
A non-denominational app that provides guided meditation and lessons to improve sleep, focus, and more. A 14-day free trial is available for first-time users.
Meditation Videos on Youtube
A free alternative to paid apps, there are free guided meditations available on Youtube.
Talking to Your Loved One
The LEAP Approach (Developed by Dr. Xavier Amador)
A brief overview of the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach.
Caregiver Mentorship
Cure SZ Foundation Friendsz Mentorship Program
This resource pairs caregivers of loved ones with schizophrenia and other serious psychiatric brain disorders and illnesses with mentors with experience caring for a loved one with a similar diagnosis.
Boundaries for Caregivers
How to set boundaries as a caregiver Article
A brief article on setting boundaries as a caregiver.
"How important is it right now?"
A question that helps to assess how urgent a situation is and the needs of your loved one.
Catch it, Check it, Change it!
A method used in some cognitive behavioral therapies to alter negative thinking. This may be helpful for caregivers who find themselves expecting negative outcomes in their thoughts ("waiting for the other shoe to drop"). The link below provides a resource by the BBC explaining the usefulness of this technique, the steps associated, and an example worksheet that you can implement in your own life.
Employment Opportunities for People Living with Mental Illness (Maryland)
A non-profit organization empowering individuals with mental illness to lead meaningful and productive lives of their choice. Has resources to help members access care, education, and part-time employment.
Goodwill STEP Program
Provides job training, case management, and career services including psych rehab programming. Scroll to the STEP section of the website below to find the links for the referral form, client handbook, and telehealth consent. Locations for the program are in Baltimore City and Carrol County.
Ticket To Work Program
A free and voluntary Social Security program that helps people who receive disability benefits return to work or work for the first time.
Psych Education: Vocab & More
Often impacted by some severe mental health diagnoses, executive function refers to skills that inform the capacity to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple-step directions even when interrupted, and stay focused despite distractions, among others. Additional information is provided below by the University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences Memory and Aging Center.
January 2023
Self-Care for Caregivers
A guide to self-care from the Comprehensive Services on Aging. Targeted to some extent to caregivers of elderly parents with Alzheimers and related dementias, but containing helpful pointers for anyone caring for a person with memory disorders or behavioral problems related to mental illness.
A strategy for creating your network of friends, volunteering in the community through local food banks or shelters can be a way to meet new people in your community.
You can help yourself by allowing others to help you! Generate a list of easy ways someone can help you when they offer. Rather than saying there isn't a way for them to help, allow them to do one of those items on your list. Items can be as simple as asking for a hug!
Talking to Your Loved One
I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help Book by Xavier Amador
Dr. Amador discusses his LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner) approach to help your loved one gain insight into their illness and to help you learn about anosognosia, a common symptom in several mental illnesses associated with lack of insight.
Helping your loved one check in with reality when a suspicious-type of delusional thinking or hallucinations occur (instead of more directly negating those thoughts).
Day Programs and Social Options for Your Loved One
Day programs offering a occupational, peer, and/or other therapies. Structured programs may be available for full day or half day services.
B'More Clubhouse (Maryland Resource)
A non-profit organization empowering individuals with mental illness to lead meaningful and productive lives of their choice. Has resources to help members access care, education, and part time employment.
Psych Education: Vocab & More
A symptom of several mental illnesses where the person who has been diagnosed does not have insight into their illness - they do not think or believe they are sick. Additional information provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Description of Psychotic, Negative & Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Information available from the National Institute of Mental Health
Description of Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias
Information available from the National Institute on Aging. Includes Symptoms, diagnosis, causes, caregiving links.
In the case of an emergency please call 911.
If located in the Harford County, Maryland area, ask the operator for a CIT (crisis intervention) officer who will be best equipped to mediate and find the best help in the case of a mental health crisis. If a CIT officer is available, they will be the responder.