Schizophrenia refers to a psychotic illness in which changes in behaviour or symptoms have been continuing for a period of at least six months. The symptoms and length of the illness vary from person to person. Contrary to previous beliefs, many people with schizophrenia lead happy and fulfilling lives, with many making a full recovery.
What are the symptoms and signs?
Schizophrenia can lead to changes in mood and thinking and to abnormal ideas, making it hard to understand how the schizophrenic person feels. Symptoms include:
Confused thinking - Everyday thoughts become confused or don't join up properly. Sentences are unclear or don't make sense. A person may have difficulty concentrating, following a conversation or remembering things. Thoughts seem to speed up or slow down.
False beliefs - It is common for a person experiencing a psychotic episode to hold false beliefs, known as delusions. The person is so convinced of their delusion that the most logical argument cannot make them change their mind. For example, someone may be convinced from the way cars are parked outside their house that they are being watched by the police.
Hallucinations - In psychosis, the person sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes something that is not actually there. For example, they may hear voices that no one else can hear, or see things that aren't there. Things may taste or smell as if they are bad or even poisoned.
Changed feelings - Feelings or mood may change for no apparent reason. They may feel strange and cut off from the world with everything moving in slow motion. Mood swings are common and they may feel unusually excited or depressed. People's emotionsseem dampened . . . they feel less than they used to, or show less emotion to those around them.
Changed behaviour - People with schozophrenia behave differently from the way they usually do. They may be extremely active or lethargic, sitting around all day. They may laugh inappropriately or become angry or upset without apparent cause.
What are the causes?
Developmental, environmental and familial factors play a role in the illness.
How is schizophrenia treated?
Medication can be used to control symptoms of schizophrenia. Compliance with medication is an issue for some people suffering from schizophrenia. Once they recover from the symptoms, they may not feel as if they still have an illness. Counselling from a trained clinician can help the person idenfity reality from disturbed thinking. Education about the signs and symptoms of the illness is extremely important. Also, being in a supportive environment dramatically assists in recovery from schizophrenia.
Sources of information: ORYGEN Youth Health
Worried About Someone Else?
For people with a mental health problem, there may be periods of time when things are not manageable. Stress, traumatic events or changes in medication can trigger further symptoms of their illness.
If you are concerned that your friend is not behaving as they normally would, then it is important to encourage them to talk to someone they trust like their doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. If you think that your friend is likely to hurt themselves or someone else get help immediately even if your friend doesn't want you to.
When someone becomes extremely unwell, it can be distressing and confusing for others, as well as the person concerned. Here are some tips that may help:
- Communicate clearly in an honest, understanding manner. Do not crowd, rush or unnecessarily touch the person.
- Provide a calm, safe environment. Move to quieter, more open surroundings. If necessary, remove items with which the person might use to harm themselves or others.
- Seek help from a doctor, Psychiatric Emergency Team or the police.
- Try to behave in a quietly confident manner. Be firm but friendly and unthreatening. Reassure that help is on its way.
Reference: Reach Out! website
Helpful Sites
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SANE Helpline
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1800 18 SANE (7263)
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Kids Helpline
Kids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
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