Tips from ODSW February 2016: Caregiver's Guide to Psychosis | Seite 13

HOW DO I ENCOURAGE THE
YOUNG PERSON TO ADHERE
TO HIS/HER TREATMENT
DO’S

DON’TS

Use words that cause further
guilt in the young person E.g.
complaining about the medical
bills in front of him/her.
Speak to the young person
Spike the young person’s food or
calmly and help them understand drink as it might cause a strain
their condition according to the in your relationship or reinforce
psychiatrist’s and case manager’s your relative’s belief that recovery
explanation.
is not due to the medication.
Speak to the young person to
determine the reasons for his/her
Provoke his/her behaviour.
medical non-adherence.
Help the young person recognize
and acknowledge his/her unusual
experiences as symptoms of
the illness, and adherence with
the medication helps ensure
successful recovery and prevents
relapses.
Assure the young person that
medications prescribed by the
psychiatrist are not street drugs
and would not lead to addiction.
Offer simple, practical advice on
remembering to take medication.
Explore alternate options
with your psychiatrist or case
manager.
Assure the young person that
side effects can be addressed and
treated easily.

13