Schizophrenia

Imagine walking down the road and noticing a group of people talking amongst themselves, and you know for sure that they are planning to kill you, or imagine someone commenting on every move you make, you can hear the fine details of your own actions distinctly, or what if the others could somehow get to know exactly what you are thinking at every moment while you are awake. How does it make you feel? Scary right?!
This is just a small glimpse of what a person suffering with schizophrenia has to put up with because of the illness. Add to this the rejection, discrimination and feelings of helplessness arising from not being understood by your own loved ones. They seem to have a world of their own which is different from the real life but it forms the person’s “Reality” and so he/she responds accordingly. More often than not a person with schizophrenia cannot understand that his “Reality” is not for real and thus lives in complete denial of having an illness.

According to the ICD-10 classificatory system, schizophrenia is characterised in general by fundamental and characteristic distortions of thinking (Delusions) and perception (Hallucinations), and by inappropriate or blunted affect. The prevalence rate of schizophrenia is almost equal in males and females, and begins in the age range of 16-35 years.
Like any other psychological disorder, the aetiology of schizophrenia can also be understood in terms of biopsychosocial aspects. Though the findings are not conclusive, studies suggest an increased level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in people with schizophrenia. It also has strong heritability with a prevalence of upto 50% in identical twins as compared to 1% in the general population. Psychological factors like faulty thinking processes and low stress tolerance have been seen in people with schizophrenia. Studies also suggest that a home environment that is highly critical, hostile or emotional can be a contributing factor in a person who is already vulnerable for developing schizophrenia. In some cases, extreme levels of stress also can trigger the illness in people who are predisposed for schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a very debilitating illness that can significantly hamper a person’s personal, social and occupational functioning. Early identification and treatment can ensure good recovery. It even limits the extent of cognitive impairment due to the illness. Schizophrenia is not curable but definitely a treatable condition. Specific anti-psychotic medicines and psychotherapeutic techniques have been developed that have proven to be efficient in the treatment of schizophrenia.

If you observe any of the following in your loved ones for a period of 1-2 weeks, it is advised you seek mental health professional’s help at the earliest:-

• Withdrawing from people or staying in the room for most part of the day
• Not taking care of personal hygiene
• Showing some odd behaviour like smiling, murmuring or making gestures even when alone
• Talking in a way that is not completely comprehendible ; becoming suspicious of  others
• Has family history of some psychiatric illness.

 

Please hear this: There are not ‘schizophrenics.’ There are people with schizophrenia.”
– Elyn Saks