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Psychosis can be caused by a variety of things and occur in a variety of health conditions. For some, getting a diagnosis, or a name for the things you have experienced, relieves us from the unknown. For others, it feels more like a burden. It is important to remember a diagnosis does not define you. Â
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Diagnostic labels rely heavily on combined observed experiences and opinions. Specialists at a PA First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Center will ask you and your family some questions about what’s been going on for you, which will help determine what diagnosis seems to fit best. This, in turn, will help the FEP team provide you with the most appropriate care for your needs.
Diagnostic labels are ways for medical professionals to most easily communicate and categorize clusters of symptoms to best inform the most appropriate treatment. Someone who has their first experience of psychosis may be diagnosed with what is referred to as a psychotic disorder.
It is crucial to remember symptoms and experiences change over time and so may your diagnosis.  Try not to dwell on any diagnosis you receive. Try to focus on your personal goals, how your symptoms may interfere with those goals and how best to use your treatment time to empower yourself.
If you find the diagnosis helpful, great. If not, set it aside.
It is important to seek help as soon as you notice you are not feeling quite like yourself. The care you receive at an FEP (First Episode Psychosis) center is designed with each individual in mind and involves many types of trained, caring people who will collaborate with you on a plan to get you feeling better. Watch this quick video, “What is Coordinated Specialty Care” to learn more.
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Talk therapy to help build personal skills of resiliency, management, and coping.
Supported Education & Employment Assistance with continuing to engage in or adjust to school and work goals while receiving care.
Medication Management As necessary, finding the best medications at the lowest possible dose.
Peer Support Guidance from those currently on their own recovery paths.
Case Management Skills and support to organize the practical issues presented during treatment. This includes communication with other team members.
Family Support and Education Tools designed to keep family members engaged and informed.
Check out our short animated video about Coordinated Specialty Care
All of our FEP centers emphasize hope, empowerment, and collaborative management of care. We see our participants as multi-dimensional people, who happen to also struggle with symptoms of psychosis from time to time.
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According to our FEP model of care, recovery is defined by each individual in his/her/their own terms. To counter the experience of personal disempowerment and pessimistic messages from society, and even from some treatment providers, our PA FEP centers embrace recovery-oriented services that are designed in collaboration with participants. Our goal is to help each participant discover and realize their unique path through the journey of recovery with the support of the FEP center team.
Each of our Pennsylvania First Episode Psychosis centers specializes in working with individuals when psychosis first occurs. Each site is a little different, but they are all able to help you determine what treatment is the best fit for you, and can offer suggestions for help if they are not able to accommodate you.
Our programs offer care for at least 2 years, and provide resources for ongoing treatment after your participation in the program ends. How long it takes to feel better varies among individuals. However, you will more than likely feel better before the end of those two years.
Catherine (Cat) Conroy, M.Ed, Manager of HeadsUp
Neurodevelopment and Psychosis Section, Department of Psychiatry
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
10th floor, Gates Pavilion, HUP
3400 Spruce Street, Rm. 10054, Philadelphia, PA 19104
headsuppaorg@gmail.com
We are available during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) to answer any questions you may have about our organization or to direct you to programs in Pennsylvania that can offer clinical help.
