How to live with schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a very serious mental illness characterized by a distorted perception of reality. It is difficult to understand the change in behavior or the absurd thinking of a sick person, especially when such symptoms appear suddenly. What is schizophrenia and how to recognize it? 

The word «schizophrenia» comes from the Greek language and literally means «split mind». The patient has a «split» between his thoughts and reality. Nerve transmitters, especially dopamine, change for mood and motivation.

Psychotherapy for schizophrenia

With schizophrenia, various methods of psychotherapy are used. The referral for such procedures is issued by the attending physician (therapist or specialist).

Therapy may take place in a psychiatric clinic or in the day ward of a psychiatric hospital. It should be remembered that effectiveness is primarily related to reintegration into normal functioning in society and professional activities.

How to behave towards a person suffering from schizophrenia?

• First of all, the victim needs support and specialized care. It should be borne in mind that schizophrenia is beyond the patient’s control and should not be grounds for discrimination.
• Patients with schizophrenia tend to be aggressive (mostly in the case of delusions), but the vast majority do not commit crimes. They are, first of all, a threat to themselves — about 10-15% commit suicide.
• If we see a loved one hallucinate or deceive themselves, we should not simply agree with what they are saying, but we should also not claim that these experiences are just imagination. We must remember that they are real for a sick person and try to show compassion.
• Returning to normal functioning is often hard and tedious work for a person with schizophrenia. The patient’s achievements along the way should be valued. On the contrary, criticism and pressure can lead to worsening of symptoms.
• Even 25% of caregivers of schizophrenic patients suffer from depression requiring professional help [5]. If the situation of a person close to us goes beyond, it is worth seeking support from a doctor.

Schizophrenia and self-esteem of the patient

The psychogenic basis of sexual difficulties in schizophrenia is considered very important. People with schizophrenia are considered dangerous, asexual, or even deviant in society. This, of course, is reflected in people’s low self-esteem and their low self-esteem. The very fact of a chronic illness reduces the chances of patients in the so-called «marital market» — after leaving the classroom, they have access to fewer partners and sexual partners.

The scope of psychological and sexological work is in the field of relationships, emotions and sexual psychoeducation. In therapy, people with schizophrenia can work to develop new regimens that overcome the limitations associated with the disease and pharmacotherapy. It should be emphasized that schizophrenia itself does not necessarily mean abstaining from sexual activity.