Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how people think, feel and behave. It may result in a mix of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behaviour. Hallucinations involve seeing things or hearing voices that aren’t observed by others. Delusions involve firm beliefs about things that are not true.
People with schizophrenia can seem to lose touch with reality, which can make daily living very hard. The exact reasons that cause people to suffer with this condition are not understood, although it is thought that physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can contribute to a higher risk.
Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed in the late teen years to early 30s. In men, schizophrenia symptoms usually start in the late teens to early 20s. In women, symptoms usually begin in the late 20s to early 30s.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:
- hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind
- delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality
- muddled thoughts and speech based on hallucinations or delusions
- losing interest in everyday activities
- not wanting to look after yourself and your needs, such as not caring about your personal hygiene
- wanting to avoid people, including friends
- feeling disconnected from your feelings or emotions
It is not a given that a person with schizophrenia is violent.
Seeking Help and Accessing Support
The first line of help for somebody with schizophrenia would be a GP or 111, unless that person is in need of urgent medical assistance as they are a danger to themselves or others, in which case they would need to go straight to Accident and Emergency. Once stabilised a person would be referred to an Early Intervention Team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers and support workers.
Treatment and Long-Term Management
Due to the nature of symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult for somebody with this condition to realise that there is anything wrong with their mental health, which can lead to problems when trying to treat and manage the condition. Treatment usually involves medication, talking therapies and help with day-to-day activities and is likely to need to be life-long.
Stress, Triggers, and Relapse Prevention
A person with schizophrenia can be stable for many years with medication and support, although it is possible for symptoms to become worse in times of stress or if they experience a ‘trigger’, sometimes leading to an acute schizophrenic episode; when they can experience symptoms of psychosis, where they are unable to tell the difference between reality and their imagination. Stressful situation would include life-changing events, such as moving house, a bereavement, a new baby, a new job etc. It is likely that during an exacerbation of symptoms that medication may need to be altered, and more intensive care sought from the intervention team, until stabilised. Triggers are occasions where past negative experiences can be brought to the front of the mind, as if they are happening again.
Advance Statements and Future Care Planning
So as a person with schizophrenia is able to be involved more in their care, they may wish to complete an Advanced Statement. This would need to be written at a time when the person’s condition is stable. The Statement is not legally binding and would include how they wish to be treated in the event of a future schizophrenic episode, where they are not able to make rational decisions at the time. This would ideally include telephone numbers for who they wish to be contacted. Advanced Statements can be compiled with the help of the Mental Health Care Co-ordinator.
Further Information
- Mind – www.mind.org.uk/
- Living With Schizophrenia | Information & Support – www.livingwithschizophreniauk.org
- POPS UK | For Parents and Carers of People with Schizophrenia – www.popsuk.org.uk
