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PSYCHOEDUCATION
VIDEO CLIPS

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WHAT IS CLINIQUE JAP?

Dr. Amal Abdel-Baki explains the services offered at Clinique JAP and by its partners, as well as the importance of intervening intensively and early in this way with young people who have early psychosis.

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AFTER PSYCHOSIS, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Nearly half of young people who have a first psychotic episode manage to return to work or school after three months. Even if it takes time, it is realistic to think they will eventually return to the same path in life, or a similar one, and go on to live a rewarding, independent life, despite psychosis.

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DID YOU SAY PSYCHOSIS?

The word psychosis refers to an illness caused by the brain not working properly, which disrupts contact with reality. About 3% of the population, all causes combined, will have some form of psychotic episode - that is, a period during which they have psychotic symptoms. Although psychosis can affect anyone (regardless of social class, level of education or ethnic group), it affects men slightly more than women, and onset is earlier in men.
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DRUGS AND PSYCHOSIS: AN EXPLOSIVE COMBO

It is sometimes hard to convince yourself to stop using, even after a first episode of psychosis or a relapse, because it is often part of many young people's lifestyle and a way to socialize. Even so, it is important to keep in mind that just because you use and do not relapse on one or more occasions does not mean a relapse will never come. Drugs and alcohol are biological stressors for the brain, and it is the accumulation of stress (biological and psychological) that leads to psychosis in people who are predisposed. Since we cannot always control psychological stress (job loss, a breakup, etc.), using means taking a risk every time.
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MEDICATION: IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

Taking medication is essential when treating the acute phase - that is, when symptoms are clear and fully present: delusions, hallucinations, confused thinking. The aim of medication is to stabilize the patient, to "bring them back to earth" so that psychotherapy can begin - that is, follow-up with the clinicians on the treatment team: psychiatrist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse and/or psychologist. Taking medication regularly therefore makes it possible to control the symptoms of psychosis effectively, and often quickly, and then to start multidisciplinary treatment.

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PSYCHOSIS: DIAGNOSIS OR LABEL?

A discussion of various myths about psychosis. A look at stigma in mental health and toward people living with psychosis or other mental health problems. Possible solutions from clinicians, and testimonials from people who have succeeded in taking up a rewarding life again.

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CAN PSYCHOSIS BE TREATED?

The main ways to treat psychosis and prevent relapse are medication, which is an essential foundation of treatment, combined with psychosocial interventions including psychotherapy. In addition, as explained on this site, a healthy lifestyle, stopping drug use, and drinking alcohol only in moderation are also key to preventing relapse.
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CONVALESCENCE, ONE STEP AT A TIME

During convalescence, the person continues to have some symptoms, which vary in intensity from one person to another, but are generally milder. During this period, the risk of relapse is at its highest, up to 80% (without medication). Most people will still have negative symptoms (social withdrawal, isolation, lack of motivation, lack of energy) and cognitive symptoms (problems with concentration and memory, difficulty reading a book or watching a movie all the way through). In some people, disorganization and hallucinations or delusions may persist for longer. Even so, at this stage it is entirely possible to return to work and/or school part-time, one step at a time, adjusting the medication when needed as part of closer follow-up during the first months.