Overview
The Schizophrenia Clinic is a Community Mental Health Program within Mental Health Services, established to provide assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for people with Schizophrenia and other Psychosis Disorders.
Who
- For people (and their families) aged 18 and over who have a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or related Disorder
- For residents of Haliburton, Northumberland & Peterborough Counties and the City of Kawartha Lakes
What
- Assessment - Psychiatric & Psychosocial
- Psychiatric Treatment & Follow-up
- Medication Management
- Psychosocial Treatment
- Psychosocial Programs (E.g. Peer Support Group, Youth Group)
- Clinical Case Management (residents of Peterborough County only)
- Wellness Management
- Psychoeducation
- Family Education & Support
- Rehabilitation (E.g. Vocational, Employment assistance)
- Community Consultation/Liaison/Development & Education
When
- Core Service is available from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday to Friday with flex time based on need.
- Specific times vary for each Psychosocial Program.
Where
- The Schizophrenia Clinic is located in the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, level C1.
- Enter hospital through the Main Entrance and walk straight ahead. At the end of the hall, turn left and take the first set of elevators down to Level 1. When exiting the elevator, turn right and follow the signs to the clinic.
- Services are provided in the community and in the Clinic office when appropriate.
How
Referrals may be made directly by the person needing assistance, community agencies, physicians and family members
Contact
For further information, contact the Clinic office at 705-876-5071 or fax 705-876-5010
Frequently Asked Questions
My (son/daughter/husband/wife/parent) has Schizophrenia, and I can't handle it anymore. What should or can I do?
Contact your family member's Physician for assistance.
Contact the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario for Education & Support (705-749-1753).
Contact the 4 County Crisis Service (705-745-6484) if there is a Mental Health Crisis with your relative.
Contact the Schizophrenia Clinic (876-5071) to refer your relative for service.
Contact the Schizophrenia Clinic (876-5071) for information re: accessing the Mental Health System and obtaining help through the Justice System for your relative.
Whom can I call after the specified hours of the Clinic or during a Crisis?
Contact the 4 County Crisis Service (705-745-6484).
Are there fees associated with accessing the Schizophrenia Clinic?
There are no fees to attend our Service for people with a current OHIP card. You are asked to bring your OHIP card with you to every appointment.
Can ODSP Forms be filled out by a Psychiatrist at the Clinic? If so, are there any associated costs/fees?
If a person has been assessed by and is receiving treatment from a Psychiatrist in the Schizophrenia Clinic it is possible to have their Psychiatrist complete the person's ODSP Forms without charge. However, the person must first meet the criteria to be eligible for ODSP prior to the form being completed.
Can Prescriptions be refilled over the phone?
Usually, Prescriptions are given to clients at their regular scheduled appointments with their Psychiatrist.
Prescription refills may be called in to a Pharmacy by the Psychiatrist without requiring an appointment. This is done only on an emergency basis.
If medication is not working effectively, can my dosage be increased or decreased over the phone? Can my medication prescription be changed over the phone or do I require an appointment?
Only a Psychiatrist can increase or decrease the dosage of your medication through a phone call.
A change to another medication requires an appointment with a Psychiatrist.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder thought to result from a biochemical imbalance.
What causes Schizophrenia?
The cause of this illness is unknown. However, changes in the regions of the brain that control thinking, feeling, perceiving and behaving indicate that the brain is the biological site of Schizophrenia.
Researchers suspect that neurotransmitters (substances through which cells communicate) such as dopamine, serotonin may be involved.
Other areas of the brain affected are the limbic system (part of the brain involved with emotion), and the thalamus (which coordinates outgoing messages in the brain). Several other brain regions may be affected.
Can Schizophrenia be cured?
As with many illnesses, there is currently no cure. However, there is treatment available that can assist a person in effectively managing their illness.
How is Schizophrenia treated?
Schizophrenia is treated with appropriate Psychiatric Treatment (medications) and Psychosocial Interventions.
To minimize and reduce the impact of the disease, early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important.
What is the prevalence of Schizophrenia?
Approximately 1 in 100 people (1%) of the population are affected by Schizophrenia. The risk is higher if a family member (e.g. parent or sibling) develops the illness.
What are some of the symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Positive Symptoms may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions (E.g. Paranoid Delusions)
- Disorganized Speech
- Disorganized behavior
Negative Symptoms may include:
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of pleasure
- Flat Emotion
Cognitive Symptoms may include:
- Poor Concentration
- Thought Disorder
- Poor Memory
Mood Symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Dissatisfaction with life/self
- Hopelessness
Community Links
Information Links
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