Schizophrenia

Thought disturbances are incidences in which the person is unable to concentrate, to “think straight or coherently,” or to slow down racing thoughts. An example of a thought disturbance is when a person reports that thoughts not his or her own are being inserted into his or her head by someone else.

Inappropriate affect refers to the showing of an emotion that is inconsistent with the person’s speech or thoughts. For example, the person may say that he or she is being persecuted by the devil and then laugh. Sometimes a person with schizophrenia may exhibit a blunted or flat affect, which is a severe reduction in emotional expressiveness. Examples are the use of a monotonous tone of voice and lack of facial expression.

The third or residual phase follows the active phase and is indicated by a persistence of at least two of the symptoms experienced during the pre-illness phase. It is not uncommon for patients in the residual stage to experience periods when the prominent psychotic symptoms seen in the active phase reemerge for a brief period of time and then subside.

Myths About Schizophrenia

Despite common belief and usage of the term by the popular press, schizophrenia is not the same as the relatively rare disorder known as split personality (multiple personality: a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde switch in character). People also tend to equate schizophrenia with “insanity” or “madness.” These are not psychiatric terms but are popular descriptions for strange, irrational behavior. Most people suffering from schizophrenia are not violent, although an occasional individual will have violent outbursts. There is also concern among some families that they might be the cause of schizophrenia. No conclusive scientific evidence exists that families in any way cause schizophrenia. There is abundant evidence, however, that families may be able to help improve the outcome of the illness.

Diagnosis

No laboratory tests exist to determine a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Like other mental and emotional disorders, a diagnosis of schizophrenia is made solely on the basis of the person’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Through careful observation and interviewing, competently trained psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and therapists can detect major disturbances in a person’s functioning, including the presence of psychotic symptoms. However, before a diagnosis of schizophrenia is made, medical factors such as a brain tumor or the effects of substance abuse are ruled out.

Causes of Schizophrenia

Despite much scientific speculation and popular theorizing, there is no one cause of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is considered to be a disorder caused by a combination of factor. Structural abnormalities of the brain, and biochemical deficiencies or an imbalance of special brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are two factors linked to the disorder.

Studies have also shown that if a close relative suffers from schizophrenia there is a 1 in 10 chance that another immediate family member may also experience the disorder. These structural, genetic, and biochemical factors are believed to combine to determine an individual’s “vulnerability” to developing schizophrenia. This vulnerability may also play a role in determining the course of the illness in an individual.

Environmental stress also appears to be an important factor in the development of schizophrenia. Personal and family events such as an adolescent’s leaving home, a young adult’s entrance into a new career or peer group, a death in the family, or the breakup of a significant relationship are some of the stressors that may precede the onset of schizophrenia. These stressors demand adaptive changes from the individual and challenge the individual’s current coping and competence. Growing evidence exists that the individual’s inability to cope with and handle certain stressors combines with structural, genetic, and biochemical vulnerabilities to result in schizophrenia.

Treatment Modalities

Although some individuals will always be subject to varied degrees of recurring symptoms of schizophrenia, studies show encouraging evidence that most people suffering from schizophrenia can be trained and supported to live productive, noninstitutionalized lives. There is no one best treatment for schizophrenia; a combination of treatment and support programs seems to provide the best way to help a person with schizophrenia maintain the highest degree of health and independence.

Antipsychotic medications have greatly improved the outlook for the person with schizophrenia. These drugs do not “cure” schizophrenia but typically reduce the intensity and frequency of the psychotic symptoms and usually allow the person to function more effectively and appropriately. Another beneficial aspect of drug therapy is that it may help to reduce such negative symptoms as poor concentration and social isolation. Negative symptoms tend to linger on long after the psychotic symptoms have been controlled or have abated. However, medications are only a necessary first step.

Psychiatric rehabilitation is a second important step that is often provided by day treatment centers and community support programs. Psychiatric rehabilitation enables the individual to acquire personal and instrumental skills as well as environmental supports which will enable the person to fulfill the demands of various living, learning, and working environments.

Schizophrenia often occurs during the critical trade-learning or careerforming years of life (ages 18 to 35). Therefore, persons with schizophrenia not only suffer thinking and emotional difficulties, but often also lack social and work skills. Psychiatric rehabilitation programs that include social skills training and vocational rehabilitation seem to offer the best options for beneficial living.

Social skills training programs teach social and independent living skills that enable the person to manage the symptoms, to identify specific warning signals of relapse, to manage persisting symptoms, and to prevent stress so that these factors interfere less with daily living. Vocational training provides persons with schizophrenia the skills necessary to become involved in a skill or trade so that the person can achieve some occupational independence.

Family Support

Since many persons with schizophrenia live with their families, it is important for the family to have a clear understanding of the disorder and of the illness. Some psychiatric rehabilitation programs offer behavior family management programs, which are family-based efforts that not only teach skills to members, but also work to reduce stress and make the family a more supportive environment for the schizophrenic patient. These programs also help the families become aware of the different kinds of outpatient and family support services that are available in the community.

Self-help groups are another common resource. Although not led by professional therapists, the groups are helpful because members—usually expatients of family members of persons with schizophrenia—provide continuing support for each other. These groups have also become effective advocates for needed research and for hospital and community treatment programs.

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