Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder which makes it difficult for the person to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences. This can be frightening and confusing to the person who has this mental disorder, as well as their family, friends, and loved ones. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that rarely emerges in childhood; rather, it comes on in early adulthood, usually around the age of 18 for males and 22 for females. This can be especially concerning, as the individual is unlikely to know what is going on and be scared that they are “going crazy”. In contrast to what has been portrayed in the media, television, and movies, people with schizophrenia are not crazy, they are not insane, and they are not dangerous. People with schizophrenia are not “bad” and they did not do anything wrong to develop the illness. Most experts in the field believe that schizophrenia is in fact caused by a combination of genetics, and events in the person’s environment. Whatever the actual cause is, people with schizophrenia simply have a mental disorder, and more often than not, are trying to cope with their disorder the best that they can.

Schizophrenia can impair a person’s ability to think logically, to have normal emotional responses, and to behave normally in social settings. Schizophrenia may have a variety of symptoms which can occur alone, or together in clusters. Moreover, the symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin slowly and develop over time. In the beginning, schizophrenia symptoms may only include trouble sleeping or concentrating, or feeling tense. However, as the disorder progresses, psychotic symptoms such as delusions (false beliefs or thoughts that have nothing to do with reality), hallucinations (hearing, seeing, feeling, or even smelling things that are not actually there), and disordered thinking, which is when thoughts and ideas seem to “jump” from one thing to the next with little or no connection, may develop. Depending on the type of schizophrenia, catatonic symptoms such as bizarre, slowed, or a period of cessation in motor movement, with less reaction to the environment, may develop. Many people with schizophrenia also develop something called “flat affect” which is when their facial expressions show little or no emotion. This may be accompanied by an experience of diminished emotions; or the person may become depressed because of the disturbing qualities of their schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia can make it difficult to make friends, or to retain previous relationships. It can also make it more difficult to take care of one’s own personal needs, such as hygiene, proper eating, rest, and appropriate medications. All in all, it can be a very upsetting and confusing way to go through life. However, there is effective treatment for schizophrenia which can restore some or all of the person’s normal capabilities. Most people with schizophrenia need to go on one or a combination of medications called antipsychotics. Depending on the person, they may also need to use other medication to deal with symptoms or side effects of the antipsychotic medication. This is a highly personal and individualized decision, and you should always consult with a trained psychiatrist before taking any psychiatric medication. Other treatment options include but are not limited to several forms of therapy, and restoring adequate rest, proper nutrition, and moderate to frequent exercise.

Other living situations, such as a halfway house or a transitional living, can also be helpful for people with schizophrenia, either in beginning recovery or for a longer period of time. It can be comforting and soothing to have others help you as you re-adjust to treatment and early recovery. There is hope, no matter how far off it may seem in the throes of the disorder.