PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS UNIT

5 South is a 24 bed research unit dedicated to schizophrenia research protocols as well as substance abuse protocols and detox programs. The study design for schizophrenia research is multi-faceted, examining diagnostic, neurological, biochemical, hormonal and psycho-social aspects of the illness. Of particular interest is the role of genetic factors in schizophrenia. To this end, family members of patients will be invited to participate in the investigations and assessments.

The social workers and social work interns on the SRU work with the hospitalized patients and their families. The first task of the social worker is to establish a relationship with the family or significant others and to formulate a psychosocial assessment. Second, as this is a research unit with the mandate to study schizophrenia, one of the main responsibilities of the social worker is to help the families better understand and cope with their family members’ illness. Family treatment is indicated to help realign family relationships so that members may be more helpful to the patient or to enable members to talk more openly to each other.

Social workers have limited involvement with those patients participating in Substance Abuse Research Protocols; however they are always available for consultation and referral.

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