Non-Biological Treatment of Schizophrenia : ACT

• What does ACT stand for in the context of schizophrenia treatment?

  Assertive Community Treatment
• What is the primary goal of ACT for schizophrenic patients?

  To prevent institutionalization and individualize treatment
• In which countries is ACT available?

  US, Canada, England, and Australia
• Who does ACT primarily target?

  Patients with persistent mental illnesses
• How does ACT help patients with personal goals?

  By focusing on daily activities tailored to needs
• Where are ACT services typically provided?

  In the patient's home or community locations
• What did Nishio et al's study find about ACT's effectiveness?

  It decreased hospitalizations and antipsychotic doses
• What did Mueser et al find about client appreciation of ACT?

  Clients of all ages, genders, and cultures appreciate it
• How often is ACT available to patients?

  24/7, 365 days a year
• What is the minimum duration of contact for ACT?

  60 minutes, with 120 minutes preferred
• Why do patients need frequent contact with ACT teams?

  They have multiple, complex needs requiring support
• What was the decrease in rehospitalizations after using ACT?

  85% decrease in rehospitalizations
• What is a weakness of ACT regarding its cost?

  Costs between $6,000 and $12,000 annually
• What is the client to practitioner ratio in ACT?

  1:10
• What professionals are involved in the core service team of ACT?

  Psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers
• How does the multidisciplinary approach of ACT enhance treatment?

  It considers all aspects of the patient's life
• What is a weakness of ACT regarding its treatment focus?

  It does not target the root cause of symptoms
• What are the goals of ACT?

  Reduce hospitalization rates and aid community adaptation
• What is a strength of ACT compared to drug treatment?

  No negative side effects compared to antipsychotics
• What is a potential weakness of lifelong ACT support?

  Codependency may not be completely removed
• What is an alternative treatment to ACT for schizophrenia?

  Drug therapy using antipsychotics
• How do antipsychotics work in treating schizophrenia?

  They target neurotransmitters like dopamine
• What does ACT support in relation to the social causation hypothesis?

  It reduces daily life stressors for patients
• What did Burns et al find about caseload size in ACT?

  Caseload of 12 was ineffective
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of ACT for treating schizophrenia?

  Strengths:

  • Reduces rehospitalization rates significantly
  • Appreciated by diverse clients
  • Available 24/7
  • No negative side effects compared to drugs
  • Multidisciplinary approach enhances effectiveness

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • High annual costs per client
  • Does not target root causes of symptoms
  • Potential for codependency