Durham University and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust Joint Special Interest Group for Psychosis (JSIGP) is open to all staff working in either the Trust or University. However, it will be of particular interest to those staff working in ‘psychosis services’ or who are involved in research within the field. A warm welcome is also extended to any service users who would like to attend. The group meets on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of topics and speakers.
The next meeting, featuring a presentation by Dr Alison Brabban (TEWV NHS Foundation Trust & Durham University) on ‘Treating Psychosis without Antipsychotics – Is it an Option?’ will be held on Wednesday May 28th 2014 from 5.30 – 7pm in the Joachim Room, College of St Hild and St Bede, Durham University (30 on this map).
Alison Brabban is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the TEWV NHS Foundation Trust and an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in the Mental Health Research Centre at Durham University.
Abstract: “Antipsychotic drugs are usually the first line of treatment for psychosis, and clinical guidelines report clear benefits in terms of symptom reduction. Nevertheless many patients are dissatisfied with pharmacological treatment with 74% of patients choosing to discontinue their drugs over 18 month. Evidence is also emerging that suggests that the effectiveness of these drugs has been overestimated, whereas the severity of their adverse effects has been underestimated. Despite this no genuine treatment choice exists beyond medication. This presentation reports on the first research trial to treat psychosis without medication: a randomised controlled trial of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for those with psychosis refusing to take antipsychotics. It will consider whether treatment of psychosis without medication might be a possibility.”
Places are limited for this event. If you would like to reserve a place, please complete our online registration form.
For more information about the event, please contact Victoria Patton.
Service users and their families and friends who attend meetings of the Joint Special Interest Group for Psychosis can receive an honorarium of £20 plus travelling expenses. For more information and to obtain the relevant claim forms, please contact Valentina Short.
If you would like to receive information about future JSIGP meetings via email, please sign up to the JSIGP mailing list.