Schizophrenia, a complex brain disorder, affects approximately one in a hundred people over their lifetime in Australia. With an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 individuals impacted by this condition, it is vital to dispel misconceptions and explore the latest insights surrounding schizophrenia. In this article, we delve into the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and groundbreaking research in Australia that offers hope for improved outcomes.
Schizophrenia: A Distorted Perception of Reality
Schizophrenia disrupts thinking, emotions, and perceptions of reality. It typically emerges during late adolescence or early adulthood and affects people of all races, cultures, classes, and genders. While around 20 to 30 per cent of individuals with schizophrenia experience brief episodes, for others, it becomes a chronic condition. Sadly, 10 per cent of people with schizophrenia die by suicide.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia can vary, and not all individuals experience the same symptoms. Some common symptoms include:
Hallucinations: These involve a person’s senses. Sensing things that do not exist, such as hearing voices, feeling bugs crawling on them, smelling scents, or seeing things that others cannot perceive.
Delusions: Unfounded beliefs that seem real to the individual, such as feeling persecuted, guilty, or having grandiose thoughts.
Thought Disorder: Disconnected and illogical speech patterns that make communication challenging.
Social Withdrawal: Difficulty participating in social events or conversations, leading to isolation.
Lack of Motivation: Reduced drive to engage in daily activities like personal hygiene or cooking.
Blunted Emotions: Limited emotional expression or inappropriate responses.
Impaired Thinking and Memory: Difficulties with cognitive processes and memory.
Causes of Schizophrenia
While the exact causes of schizophrenia are not fully known, research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition alone does not determine the onset of the disorder; rather, environmental influences can trigger its manifestation. Stress and trauma, particularly during pregnancy or later stages of development, have been identified as a significant environmental factor. Taking mind-altering drugs as a teenager or a young adult increases the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. Research has found that people with schizophrenia have significant differences in brain structure and chemistry also compared to the general population.
Supporting Individuals with Schizophrenia
Supporting individuals with schizophrenia involves a multidisciplinary approach. Carers may need to assist with managing affairs, and resources like the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, the Office of the Public Advocate, and the Equal Opportunity Office can provide guidance and support. People who have a good support network have better outcomes compared to individuals who do not. This can be tricky, as people with schizophrenia often experience delusions separating themselves from their support network.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Schizophrenia refers to a "split personality" or multiple personalities.
Fact: Schizophrenia is distinct from multiple personality disorder, and individuals with schizophrenia do not have split personalities. They experience a detachment from reality.
Myth: Schizophrenia is a rare condition.
Fact: Schizophrenia is more prevalent than commonly believed, with an estimated lifetime risk of around 1 in 100.
Myth: People with schizophrenia are dangerous.
Fact: While delusional thoughts and hallucinations may lead to violent behaviour in some cases, most individuals with schizophrenia are not violent and pose no danger to others.
Myth: People with schizophrenia can't be helped.
Fact: With proper treatment and support, many individuals with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives and experience significant symptom improvement.
Treatment and Self-Help Strategies
Treatment for Schizophrenia
Effective treatment strategies for schizophrenia involve a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. Medications, such as antipsychotics, target psychotic symptoms but do not cure the disease. Therapy helps individuals develop coping skills, manage stress, address relationship issues, and enhance communication. Treatment is an ongoing process, with long-term care often necessary to prevent relapse and maintain stability.
Self-Help Strategies
Alongside professional treatment, individuals with schizophrenia can employ self-help strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their well-being. Seeking social support from friends and family, managing stress through relaxation practises, engaging in regular exercise, prioritising sufficient sleep, avoiding substance abuse, and adopting a nutritious diet are essential steps towards self-care and recovery.
Research Advances in Australia
While the exact causes of schizophrenia are not fully known, research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Scientists are, however, actively investigating its complexities to develop new treatments. Some current research areas include:
Molecular research to develop novel antipsychotic medications.
Identifying altered proteins in individuals with schizophrenia for potential drug treatment development.
Examining structural changes in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and thinking, during the onset of symptoms to prevent or reduce the impact of schizophrenia.
Exploring the protective effect of estrogen in delaying the onset of illness and treating negative symptoms.
Studying auditory hallucinations to develop coping techniques for individuals experiencing "the voices."
Collecting data on families with a clear inherited pattern of schizophrenia to better understand genetic links in the illness.
The Bottom Line
Schizophrenia presents unique challenges, but it should not define an individual's future. Through proper treatment, support, and self-care, individuals with schizophrenia can regain control of their lives and embark on a path of recovery, resilience, and hope. Ongoing research in Australia offers promise for improved treatments and a better understanding of gender-related factors in the disease. By shedding light on schizophrenia, we can pave the way for enhanced support, tailored treatments, and ultimately, improved outcomes for those affected by this complex condition.
Teresa Coffey
Sources
Charlson, F. J., Ferrari, A. J., Santomauro, D. F., Diminic, S., Stockings, E., Scott, J. G., … & Whiteford, H. A. (2018). Global epidemiology and burden of schizophrenia: findings from the global burden of disease study 2016. Schizophrenia bulletin, 44(6), 1195-1203.
Cook, L. (2019). Mental health in Australia: a quick guide.
Martyn, D. (2003). Self-management: The Experiences and Views of Self-management of People with a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. Rethink.
Pagsberg, A. K. (2013). Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 22, 3-9.
Posts
0 Comments