During hospitalization, patients with schizophrenia undergo a series of treatments to effectively control the condition, enabling them to return to their families and society. However, post-hospitalization treatment and care are still particularly important. Improper care can lead to a relapse of mental illness, impacting not only the patient’s recovery but also placing a dual economic and psychological burden on the patient’s family. Therefore, the following discharge guidance and recommendations are proposed for patients with schizophrenia and their family members.
1. Dietary considerations after discharge
During hospitalization, patients with schizophrenia have adapted to the dietary habits in the hospital. After returning home, it is advisable to supplement their diet with nutritious foods such as eggs, fish, pork liver, lean meat, and rib soup. Avoid greasy foods like large fish and meat to prevent symptoms of indigestion such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Avoid serving hot supplementing foods such as dog meat, mutton, and rooster.
Avoid consuming alcohol, strong tea, cola, coffee, ginseng, etc. and smoke less or quit smoking altogether to prevent overstimulation, which can affect sleep and the effectiveness of medication.
2. Treatment and care considerations after discharge
01. Adhere to medication instructions
Compliance with medication instructions among patients with schizophrenia is generally poor. Based on research data and experience, patients with schizophrenia have low medication compliance rates. Only 1/5 of rehospitalized patients can fully adhere to medication instructions outside the hospital.
Treating mental illnesses is a long-term process, and medication is an important measure to prevent the recurrence of schizophrenia. Family members and patients need to understand that the effects of antipsychotic drugs are not immediately apparent. It usually takes some time before the effects of the medication can be observed.
Even if symptoms improve, patients should not stop taking medication on their own, as discontinuation may lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Recurrent episodes can severely impair cognitive function, self-care abilities, social functioning, etc.
02. Improve medication compliance
Improving medication compliance among patients with schizophrenia is crucial. Here are some commonly used methods for reference:
Improve the environment: Create a good living environment, reduce negative life events, promote family harmony, societal care, and respect, and improve the patient’s surrounding environment.
Behavior correction: After the condition stabilizes, patients can be encouraged to participate in educational activities where professionals, health education columns, and role models provide guidance on the disease, its influences, treatments, outcomes, etc.
Personalized treatment care: Different methods can be used to persuade patients to take medication during treatment. For patients with hallucinations or delusions, induce them according to the content of their hallucinations or delusions to complete treatment. For patients with anxiety, depression, utilize familial warmth or the patient’s keen desire to assist them in adhering to treatment.
03. Monitor medication adverse reactions closely
Antipsychotic medications may have side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, etc. If patients with schizophrenia experience side effects during treatment, they should inform their doctors promptly, who may adjust medication dosages or change medications as needed.
Patients should not adjust their medication on their own, as doing so carries risks and may lead to disease relapse, complicating treatment. Because medications are continually evolving, seeking a doctor’s help to find lower side effect medications is advisable.
04. Encourage patients to attend regular follow-up appointments
Through follow-up appointments, doctors can monitor the effectiveness and side effects of medications, adjusting treatment plans based on the patient’s specific circumstances. This not only helps maintain symptom stability but also reduces the impact of medication side effects on the patient’s life.
The frequency of follow-up visits usually depends on the patient’s specific situation. Typically, after the first discharge, follow-up visits are more frequent, and as the condition stabilizes, the intervals between visits can be gradually extended to monthly or quarterly visits. Follow-up assessments include evaluating symptoms, adjusting medications, psychological counseling, etc.
3. Recognize early signs of relapse and seek medical attention promptly
1. Irregular sleep
Insomnia, early awakening, feeling of sleep deprivation, etc.; unexplained refusal to eat, drink or taking medications.
2. Unstable emotions
Irritability, difficulty controlling emotions, self-talking, gesturing to empty spaces, exhibiting feelings of insecurity where patients may feel observed or targeted; severe cases may include aggression, aimless wandering, decreased self-care abilities, significantly reduced attention span, etc.
3. Depressed mood
Hopelessness about recovery from the illness, extreme lack of self-confidence, thoughts or behaviors indicating a desire not to live should be a cause for concern.
4. Abnormal behaviors
Appearing blank, slow reactions, isolating oneself, refusing communication, unusual behaviors.
5. Intensification of symptoms
Hallucinations (eavesdropping, talking to oneself), visual hallucinations (gesturing to empty spaces, waving, gazing), excessive sensitivity, worry about being monitored or talked about; significant decline in self-care abilities and social functioning, notable lack of concentration, etc.
