SCHIZOPHRENIA

By James Constance

What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental heath condition associated with the brain; it affects
the persons thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behavior. Schizophrenia
cannot be defined as a single disease, but is rather an illness made up of
multiple disorders, which have overlapping signs and symptoms. Henceforth
we have to acknowledge the unique experiences of each person living with
schizophrenia.

Statistics for Schizophrenia

- Schizophrenia effects 15 in every 1000 people over their lifetime.
- Schizophrenia affects between 150 000 and 200 000 Australians.
- Schizophrenia is 10 times more common than AIDS, cot death and
melanoma combined.
- $2.5 billion dollars is paid in direct costs for schizophrenia each year.
- The most common ages to develop schizophrenia are between the ages of 15 and 30.
- 25% of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia only have a few, short incidents before making a full recovery. For others, the
disease becomes chronic with 10% committing suicide.

Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia develops differently within different people for some it may appear suddenly and without warning. For others the disease
may come on slowly, with subtle warning signs and a steady deterioration of their day to day life before they undergo the first serve

episodes. In the early stages of the illness, people with schizophrenia often seem lethargic, unmotivated, emotionless and reclusive.
They isolate themselves form others, become careless of their appearance, language and their overall quality of life.
The most common early waning signs include:
Social withdrawal
Hostility or suspiciousness
Deterioration of personal hygiene
Flat, expressionless gaze
Inability to cry or express joy
Inappropriate laughter or crying
Depression
Oversleeping or insomnia
Odd or irrational statements
Forgetful; unable to concentrate
Extreme reaction to criticism
Outlandish manner of speaking or use of words

Signs And Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms include the following:
- Hallucinations false visual, auditory, or tactile perceptions without a realistic basis or
external cause.
- Delusions exaggerated or distorted thoughts and perceptions of self and others; or
unrealistic belief in ability, knowledge, or ideas.
- Disorganized thought including nonsensical associations and disorganized speech.
- Disorganized behaviour including aggressiveness and wild gestures.
- Difficulty showing or expressing emotion including flattened behaviour (rigid posture, inability to move or talk, unresponsiveness).
Hallucinations can relate to any of the senses, but hearing hallucinations are the most common in schizophrenia. It is particularly
common for people diagnosed with schizophrenia to hear voices, which are usually devious and threatening.
Delusions common in schizophrenia, like schizophrenic hallucinations, are typically antagonistic and threatening.
Disorganized thinking and speech is considered by some to be the defining symptom of schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, however,
the degree of confusion and disorganization significantly reduces or destroys a person's ability to communicate.
Disorganized and bizarre behaviour that is violent, childish, amplified, emotive or socially unacceptable is another definitive symptom
of schizophrenia. Because these symptoms are common to other mental disorders and illnesses, an extensive observation is needed
for a final verdict to diagnose someone with schizophrenia.
Flattened affect is the clinical term for the emotionless state that is common in schizophrenia. Although the flattened affect is present
in other mental disorders, it is particularly common in schizophrenia.

Treatment and Help

Schizophrenia treatments focus on relieving the symptoms of illness; treatments include antipsychotic medications and various
psychosocial treatments.
Antipsychotic Medication
Since the 1950s antipsychotic medications have been available, medications prior to this are called conventional or typical
antipsychotics. These medications are usually administered via pill or liquid form. During the 1990s new medications were invented;
these new medications were named the second generation or atypical. Within these new drugs a new problem came about. The
drug clozapine (Clozaril) used to treat psychotic symptoms caused a major problem called agranulocytosis, which is a loss of the white
blood cells that help a person fight infection. People who are administered with this medication have to have recent check ups to

measure their white blood cells. Despite the drawbacks of this medication, it is usually a promising option for people who do not
respond to other antipsychotic medications.
Some medications used today. These medications do not cause agranulocytosis. Examples include:
Risperidone
Olanzapine
Quetiapine
Ziprasidone
Aripiprazole
Paliperidone
Side effects of these drugs vary from person to person. The people that receive side effects from these medications tend to experience
the effect for a few days or so before it finally wears away. It is strongly advised for people who are taking antipsychotics to avoid
driving until they adjust to their new medication. Side effects include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness when changing positions
Blurred vision
Rapid heartbeat
Sensitivity to the sun
Skin rashes
Menstrual problems for women.
Psychosocial treatments
Psychosocial treatments are used to help people suffering from schizophrenia who have already been administered antipsychotic
medication. These psychosocial treatments allow these patients to deal with the challenges of the illness. These treatments offer
assistance with communication, self-care, work and forming and keeping relationships.
Psychosocial treatments include:
Illness management skills
Treatment for substance abuse
Rehabilitation
Family education
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Self help groups

How can we reduce the Stigma of Schizophrenia?

In order to diminish the stigma and discrimination assoiated with schizophrenia, it is crucial to change societies view on the illlness
through education and outreach programs and to change public policies and laws to lessen the discrimination and increase legal
protection for those tormented by the disease. Below are some approaches on defeating the stigma linked with those diagnosed with
this mental illness.

Increase use of treatment tactics that manage symptoms while avoiding side effects.
Introduce public educational activities targeted at changing attitudes.
Include anti-stigma education in the training of teachers and health care providers.
Improve psychoeducation of patients and families about ways of living with the disease.
Involve patients and families in identifying discriminatory practices.
Emphasise developing medications that improve quality of life and minimise stigmatising side effects.

Misconceptions
Most people in todays world even healthcare proffessionals often stereotype those with schizophrenia; ussually involving some or all of
the foolowing misconceptions:

Parents are resposible for schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia victims gradually become worse throughout their lives.
Schziophrenia is an untreatable mental illness.
People with schizophrenia are usually violent and dangerous.
People with schizophrenia are lazy and unreliable.
People with schizophrenia are unpredictable.
People with schizophrenia cannot work.

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