NASW-GA East Region Virtual Lunch N'Learn

Workshop Title:  Lack of Insight in Schizophrenia

Facilitator:  Eric Hornick, LCSW

 Eric is a Social Worker for the Department of Veteran's Affairs at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA. He has been a social work professional for 18 years. His current position at the VA is Coordinator/Clinician of the MH RANGE program, which provides intensive case management services to severely mentally ill Veterans. Mr. Hornick also has done work as a crisis clinician performing assessments in the hospital, jail, and community settings for 11 years.

Cost:  Free

CE Credit:  1 Core Hour

Workshop Summary and Goals:  A majority of individuals with Schizophrenia lack insight regarding the fact that they have a psychotic illness. Research has shown that poor insight is a manifestation of the illness itself, rather than a coping strategy. It may be comparable to the lack of awareness of neurological deficit seen in stroke. This symptom predisposes the individual to noncompliance with treatment and has been found to be predictive of an increased number of involuntary hospitalizations, poorer psychological functioning and poorer course of the illness.

Goals:

·  Participants will be able to:

·  Define Lack of Insight and learn of its prevalence among persons diagnosed with Schizophrenia

·  Explore Case Studies of patients with Schizophrenia who have a lack of insight into their disease

·  Learn about an evidenced-based approach to help someone with Schizophrenia accept treatment.