Our members-only live training this month is a short course on mental illness.
We’ll be covering which situations are high risk for violence and which are low risk. Then we’ll discuss what tools to use in low-risk situations.
If your organization isn’t a member or you are busy this Thursday, here is a slice of the training…
The primary defining trait of people with schizophrenia is psychosis.
Most of the symptoms of psychosis are NOT associated with violence according to research. In the training we’ll cover five symptoms that aren’t dangerous:
- Strange or repetitive movements (Tardive Dyskinesia) – Jerking movements of the face, limbs or torso are oftentimes caused by antipsychotic medication.
- No emotion (Anhedonia) – Psychosis can decrease a person’s ability to feel pleasure, which can result in the person talking with no emotion (“flat affect.”)
- Jumbled speech (Schizophasia) – People with schizophrenia may talk in ways that don’t make any sense (including making up words).
- Delusions – Delusions are having a belief that is not true (e.g. “The FBI is out to get me.”) Newer research shows that delusions are not associated with violence unless they also include anger.
- Hallucinations – Hallucinations are having a sensory experience that is not true (e.g. hearing voices). Newer research shows that hallucinations are not associated with violence unless they also include anger.
If your organization is a member, check with your coordinator for the Zoom registration link for Thursday’s training.
Have a great week!
Peace,
Ryan
