Worlds apart: Working with severely socially disabled people

Socially disabled people who experience the major disturbances of thought, feeling and behaviour associated with disorders such as schizophrenia pose a major challenge to clinicians and non-clinicians alike. This paper considers some of the issues and considerations involved in forming effective working relationships with, and caring for, such people. Approaches and strategies are outlined for minimising the disruptive consequences of problems such as altered perceptions, cognitive confusion and impaired sense of identity.