The word “Schizophrenia” is surrounded by myths and stigma, with many people believing that it means split-personality disorder and is associated with violence and aggression. This is not the case! “Schizophrenia is a split from reality rather than a split in personality”. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects roughly 1 in every 100 people, across all races, with men and women having equal rates of Schizophrenia. It is also rarely diagnosed in children and people over 45 years.
A person with Schizophrenia will often experience a combination of symptoms, and thus not all Schizophrenics will have the same symptoms. The types of symptoms include positive symptoms, which are not experienced by people without Schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions and racing thoughts. You then also get negative symptoms, which are present in people without Schizophrenia, but lacking in those with the disorder, such as apathy, lack of emotion and poor or non-existent social functioning. Lastly, there are also cognitive symptoms, which include disorganized thoughts, difficulty concentrating and/or following instructions, difficulty completing tasks and memory problems.
According to Dr. Hart, Johannesburg psychiatrist, the early warning signs that are easily recognisable in an individual with schizophrenia are a decline in school, social and work life, difficulties in managing relationships and with organising information. These initial signs are often present during adolescence, and if they are identified before the onset, it is the perfect time to seek treatment.
The causes of schizophrenia are predominantly genetic, with 1 in 10 people with schizophrenia having a parent with the disorder, in combination with environmental factors, such as the use of certain drugs, brain damage as well as severe trauma or stress. Typically, the disorder develops slowly over time, and is manifested earlier in men than in women. On average, it takes from 1 to 2 years after the initial symptoms, before a diagnosis of schizophrenia is made.
Much like heart disease and diabetes, although schizophrenia is not curable, it is treatable! There is hope for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Many schizophrenic people have full or part time work and according to Dr. Velligan, psychologist from the University of Texas, “do well living in the community with outpatient treatment”. It is important that the right treatment is found, and that the medication is taken and adhered to according to the prescription given by a psychiatrist.
SADAG will be hosting a Facebook Friday online chat on the 10th October, in order to educate and create awareness about Schizophrenia, at 1pm and then again at 7pm. Experts will be available to answer questions on Schizophrenia, as well as to assist with self-help tips, coping tools and treatment options. To participate in the chat, simply log in to the Facebook Page “The South African Depression and Anxiety Group” or follow the link on the sadag website www.sadag.org
Medication can:
- Weaken symptoms of delusions and hallucinations gradually over a period of weeks
- Help you think more clearly
- Encourage you to look after yourself
- Help you live more independently
The effectiveness of medication:
- The side effects of new medications are a lot more manageable, sometimes causing weight gain and sexual health problems.
- Roughly 4 out of 5 people are helped by the medications.
- The medication will control the Schizophrenic symptoms, as long as the person does not stop taking the medication, even when they feel better.
- If one medication isn’t working, then it is possible to change medications, you just need to speak to your doctor or psychiatrist.
