Early diagnosis and intervention center for psychosis Berlin-Brandenburg (Fetz)

It is currently understood that a significant number of schizophrenia disorders are preceded by a prodromal phase lasting several years. During the early stages of the illness, impairments in social competence and occupational functioning are prominent, leading to a significant loss in quality of life. Early detection of the illness and prompt referral to suitable psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment play a vital role in preventing or mitigating the onset of the disease and avoiding severe social and occupational consequences.
Based on this understanding, the first early intervention and therapy centers for psychotic disorders emerged worldwide in the late 1990s. Today, there are now over twenty specialized centers at major psychiatric clinics in Germany. In 2002, the Early Intervention and Therapy Center for Early Psychotic Disorders Berlin-Brandenburg was established at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Charité - Campus Mitte in Berlin. It serves as a center for counseling, diagnosis, therapy, and research, providing assistance to individuals affected by psychotic disorders, their families, and anyone interested.

Our goals include providing information, education, and counseling to affected individuals, facilitating the early recognition of an elevated risk for psychotic illnesses and their prodromal signs, as well as assisting in the referral to appropriate help and treatment. Through these efforts, we aim to significantly improve the prognosis and prevent severe disease progression by offering timely assistance and therapy.
 

A comprehensive and specialized diagnostic process is essential for accurately and promptly identifying mental disorders and an increased risk for psychotic disorders. At FeTZ in Berlin, a team of experienced physicians, psychologists, nurses, and social workers, specializing in mental disorders with a focus on psychotic illnesses, collaborate to provide comprehensive diagnostic services.

Our particular focus lies on early detection of psychotic disorders. Therefore, the following criteria must be met to access the services offered by FeTZ:
-    Individuals should be under the age of 40.
-    There should be no existing diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, or there is a specific request for a second opinion from medical or psychotherapeutic professionals.

If you wish to undergo diagnostic assessment but do not meet the aforementioned criteria, please reach out to the psychiatric outpatient clinic in your district or a private psychiatrist.

The Diagnostic Process

Initially, a brief telephone screening with the individuals is conducted to gather information about their current situation and symptoms. This is typically followed by at least two to five comprehensive in-person diagnostic interviews with doctors, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. Subsequently, if necessary, further medical and neuropsychological examinations may be discussed and planned in collaboration with the patient to rule out any physical illnesses as the underlying cause of their psychological symptoms.
If required, the entire infrastructure of a modern university clinic is available to facilitate these assessments.
A detailed report is generated based on the examination results, which is discussed with the patients and communicated to referring physicians or psychotherapeutic colleagues.
Based on the findings, we provide individualized recommendations for any necessary further treatment and assist in finding suitable therapy options. We have extensive professional networks in the medical, psychotherapeutic, and social psychiatric sectors at both regional and national levels, which allows us to provide comprehensive support.
 

Following the assessment, if necessary, individuals seeking help receive guidance on meaningful and helpful measures or therapy options. Our services are covered to the respective health insurance provider, and there are no additional costs for the individual seeking help. However, in specific cases, if a patient wishes to undergo diagnostics and counseling without involving health insurance, self-payment is possible. Please inform us of this preference in advance.
Additionally, we are available to provide telephone consultation and facilitate the referral of suitable information and support options for relatives of affected individuals. We also offer medical and psychotherapeutic colleagues the opportunity for collegial dialogue in challenging diagnostic or therapeutic situations. Interested professionals from related fields such as public health authorities, schools, or other public institutions can obtain information from our center or approach us for support in training or educational events.

Below you will find a selection of informative websites on the topic of psychosis and schizophrenia:
 

• psychenet - Netz psychische Gesundheit – Information on psychosis
• Kompetenznetz Schizophrenie – Information for affected individuals and interested parties
• Patienten-Information.de - Quality-assured treatment information for patients and laypersons (published by the German Medical Association and National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians)

"It's normal to be different" – Understanding and treating psychoses
The blue brochure. © Irre menschlich e.V. Hamburg (Link zum Download)

The treatment of mental illnesses, particularly psychotic disorders, is individually tailored to the symptoms and needs of the patient. The experienced team at the Early Detection Center provides guidance, orientation, and therapeutic recommendations. Whether it is the first occurrence of a psychosis or a relapse, it is crucial to initiate treatment as soon as possible to prevent progression and further deterioration.
Nowadays, there are many treatment options that have been successfully applied to psychotic disorders and can contribute to relief and healing.
As a foundation for any form of therapy, the therapeutic relationship with the therapist is essential. The "chemistry" between the therapist and the individual must be right in order to collaboratively find a good and personal path out of the crisis. Mental illnesses, especially psychoses, often involve significant uncertainty and sensory overload, so finding calmness and protection against overwhelming emotions and thoughts is crucial.
In addition to the therapeutic relationship, medication can be helpful in finding calmness. Depending on the predominant symptoms, therapy may be complemented by psychotherapeutic, creative, social, or other treatment approaches, either simultaneously or in subsequent steps.

Throughout the course of psychosis, the family, close relatives, and friends can play a significant role in supporting the affected individual. Calming, accompanying, and attentively and patiently standing by them is a major challenge that requires strength. Mutual exchange among peers who share similar experiences, as well as professional information and support, can be helpful.
The involvement of family members in counseling and therapy is always possible at the request of the affected individual at any time.
 

Akute Hilfe in der Krise

•  Berliner Krisendienst – Rund um die Uhr: Beratung und Hilfe in Krisensituationen
•  Linksammlung der Senatsverwaltung für Gesundheit und Soziales Berlin – Krisendienste, Sozialpsychiatrische Dienste u.a. für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene

Für Angehörige

• APK Berlin - Landesverband Berlin e.V. Angehörige psychisch erkrankter Menschen, Selbsthilfe von Angehörigen für Angehörige

Kooperationspartner des FeTZ in Berlin

•  Berliner Netzwerk für Psychosenpsychotherapie
•  Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, CCM
•  Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus
• Verein für Psychiatrie und seelische Gesundheit e.V.

Arzt- bzw. Psychotherapeutensuche in Berlin

• Suchmaschine der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung Berlin
• Psychotherapeutensuche über die Seite der Psychotherapeutenkammer Berlin
• Facharztsuche berlinweit auf der Seite des Vereins Berliner Nervenärzte e.V.

Selbsthilfe für Betroffene und Angehörige

• Dachverband Berliner Selbsthilfegruppen SEKIS
• Bundesverband Psychiatrie-Erfahrener e.V.
• Selbsthilfe Schizophrenie
• Trialog Psychoseseminar – Gruppenangebote für Betroffene, Angehörige und Fachleute
• ApK-Berlin – Landesverband Berlin der Angehörigen psychisch Kranker
• BAPK – Bundesveband der Angehörigen psychisch Kranker e. V.
• Netz und Boden – Initiative für Kinder psychisch kranker Eltern Berlin

Fachverbände in Deutschland

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Nervenheilkunde (DGPPN)
• Dachverband Deutschsprachiger Psychosenpsychotherapie e.V. (DDPP)
• Berufsverband für Nervenärzte (BVDN)
• Berufsverband für Psychiater (BVDP)

Früherkennungszentren in Deutschland

• Früherkennungszentrum Aachen (FEZ)
• Spezialsprechstunde Früherkennung Bochum (BoFit)
• Zentrum für Beratung und Behandlung bei erhöhtem Psychoserisiko Bonn (ZeBB)
• Früherkennungszentrum Düsseldorf (FEZ)
• Früherkennungs- und Therapiezentrum Göttingen (FeTziG)
• Psychosen Ersterkennungs- und Behandlungsprojekt (PEB) Hamburg
• Früherkennungs- und Therapiezentrum für psychische Krisen Köln (FETZ)
• PRONIA-Früherkennungsambulanz München

Internationale Früherkennungszentren

• Center of Prevention and Evaluation (COPE), Columbia University, New York, USA
• Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC), Melbourne, Australien
• Früherkennungs- und Therapiezentrum für psychische Krisen (FETZ), Bern, Schweiz
• Basler Projekt zur Früherkennung von Psychosen (FEPSY), Basel, Schweiz
• Outreach and Support in South London (OASIS), London, England
• Early Psychosis Treatment Service (EPTS) Calgary, Canada
• Prevention & Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP), Ontario, Canada

Kulturprojekte

• Projekt PIArt – Kunst und Konzerte in der Psychiatrischen Poliklinik Charité Campus Mitte
• Galerie Art Cru Berlin – Kunstprojekte von Psychiatrie-Erfahrenen professionellen Künstlern
• Insider Art – Insider Art ist die größte Plattform für zeitgenössische, bildende Kunst von Künstlerinnen und Künstlern mit jeder Art von Handicap
• Outsiderart – Kunst von Psychiatrie-Erfahrenen