Download open-dialogue-a better way to treat mental illness

OPEN DIALOGUE – A BETTER WAY TO TREAT MENTAL ILLNESS
Thirty years ago West Finland had the dubious reputation for the highest rate of
psychiatric illness in Europe. To day West Finland boasts the lowest rate of
psychiatric illness in Europe.
What changed? Was it a new drug? No it was simply a systems change in the way
mental illness was first approached and treated. “Open Dialogue” was introduced in
Finland by Jaakko Seikkula as a first response to any evidence of psychiatric distress.
As a result, Keroputaa Hospital, where the first Open Dialogue approach was
developed has closed most of its wards.
The “Open Dialogue” approach to treating mental illness works because it addresses
the problem early at the first sign of any psychological distress. This is where our
current system of mental health is sorely lacking.
The systems change of “open dialogue” turns our current system of clinical
engagement on its head. The consumer is the focus and driver of intervention. There
is no waiting until people become “a danger to self or others in order to get any help”.
Medication is not the first resort in treating the mentally ill in the “Open Dialogue”
method as it is in our current mental health system. There is a better way. Under
Open Dialogue medication is used, but only as a last resort.
People get well in the open dialogue method and are able to get on with their lives.
After years of medication the prospect of getting well becomes less and less.
Come to the Arafmi “Open Dialogue” workshop on Wednesday 20 August. Learn
about the Finnish approach that has changed the outcomes of most first referrals as
well as many severely ill people.