Schizophrenia

WHAT IS IT?

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic and disabling medical condition of the mind which affects a person’s normal ability to think, feel, and act. It is a distortion or loss of contact with reality. For some people there is recovery and improvement of the symptoms however for many the illness is prolonged and can mean years of distressing symptoms and disability.

WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS LIKE?

Schizophrenia affects both men and woman alike and affects all ethnic groups just as equally across the world. It has a prevalence rate of 1% in the general population and 10% in people who have a first degree relative who suffers from schizophrenia. Most people who are affected experience their first episode between the ages of 16 and 30 hence the need for a higher awareness in young men especially as it has been shown that men develop the symptoms earlier than woman.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Those suffering from schizophrenia will experience a combination of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms.

Positive Symptoms:

• Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices, or other noises)
• Feeling a sense of disconnection from the body and feeling tingling or burning sensations otherwise non-existent
• Seeing things that aren’t there
• Experiencing delusions – when the person has false beliefs that are not culturally acceptable
• Having disorganised speech

Negative Symptoms:

This refers to when the person is lacking normal behaviours otherwise present in the general population. These symptoms are generally more difficult to detect in comparison to the positive symptoms.

• Lack of expression
• Lack of motivation in completing normal everyday activities
• Lack of pleasure

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Poor ability to execute functions (including making decisions)
• Lack of ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• Problems with working memory
• Along with these symptoms is what is referred to as the ‘inappropriate effect’ which is when for example the person suffering with schizophrenia hears sad news but reacts inappropriately by laughing.

As a result of all of these symptoms combined, the person will most commonly need help with everyday tasks, will often neglect their own basic hygiene, or seem lazy or unwilling to help. Also due to the cognitive symptoms, the person will find it difficult to maintain employment.

COMMON CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

The actual cause of schizophrenia is not known however it is understood that people can be born with a genetic predisposition to the disorder and triggers such as stress, trauma or drug use, in particular marijuana, LSD or the use of speed, can induce the first episode.

TREATMENT

Whilst there is no cure at the present, the most reassuring factor is that schizophrenia is treatable and the symptoms can be reduced if not eliminated. This requires professional help which can include a combination of medication, counselling and community support programs such as assistance in finding accommodation & suitable training, work and employment.

WHERE TO GET HELP IN AUSTRALIA?

If these symptoms are familiar and you are detecting them in yourself or a mate, please consult a doctor or encourage your mate to consult his local GP. For those suffering episodes of schizophrenia, helplines are available for support and assistance.

• Your Local GP
• Caregivers, if family is otherwise not available to be the primary caregivers
• Hospitals

Helplines

For persons aged 12-25, call Eheadspace on 1800 650 890

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, for 24/7 phone counselling

Call 1800 18 SANE

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

All About Schizophrenia. Found at: http://au.reachout.com/All-about-schizophrenia

Schizophrenia. Found at: http://www.sane.org/information/factsheets-podcasts/187-schizophrenia

National Institute of Mental Health: Schizophrenia. Found at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/index.shtml?utm_source=wordtwit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wordtwit#pub1