As the team physician leader at VCH’s Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program, psychiatrist Dr. Diane Fredrikson puts into practice the belief that people can take ownership of their health and well-being through what she calls a “medication-plus” approach.
“Medication treatment for these brain illnesses is essential, but it’s not enough on it’s own to create meaningful recovery. I want to show people that they don’t need to be victims to their mental illness, that they’re not broken,” she says. “I want to show them that they can educate and empower themselves and when they do that, they can reach a whole new level of wellness.”
Funded by VCH and Vancouver Community Mental Health Services, the EPI program helps youth (and their families) living in Vancouver and Richmond who are experiencing psychosis problems for the first time.
Dr. Diane Fredrikson
“I like to use the analogy of ‘brain attacks,’” Diane explains, referring to psychosis. “They’re problems with certain circuits in the brain. “
The most common psychosis illnesses are schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorders. The symptoms of psychosis include delusions, paranoid thoughts and hallucinations.
Diane says with persistent work and support from friends and family, people can learn to take charge of their illness rather than their illness controlling them.
“Early illness identification and diagnosis, early treatment interventions and working to engage the patient and their supports, gives them the best chance of recovery,” she says. “It’s process-focused instead of a one-time solution.”
But unlike a lot of illnesses, complicated psychosis issues cannot be diagnosed with a blood test or brain scan.
“That’s why our program is about catching the illness early and working with the patient and family to treat the illness,” Diane says. “It’s a long-term endeavour, but treatable. There is simply no quick fix.”
Diane has applied this philosophy to her own personal practice of treatment with youth as well as to the EPI Metabolic Lifestyle Clinic, which she started, focusing on a more holistic approach that looks at both psychological and physical wellness.
“I’ve always had an interest in how the mind works – and how that’s connected to the body and the role of lifestyle issues like exercise and nutrition,” she says. “And I’m also a philosopher at heart and ultimately it’s about trying to make the world a better place.”