Schizophrenia, which affects up to 50 million people worldwide, primarily affects young people, with an average age of diagnosis of 27 years.
Schizophrenia can sound like a death sentence for the person suffering from it and their loved ones. However, with appropriate therapy, the disease can be brought under control. Read the article and find out what is meant by schizophrenia and how to deal with it.
Dominant symptoms of schizophrenia
The symptoms of the disorder can take various forms depending on the stage of the patient’s development of the disease, his involvement in various areas of life or age. Basically there are five main symptomatic groups. The first are positive symptoms, which include delusions (eg, stalking, stalking, exposing, etc.), hallucinations involving various senses, pseudo-hallucinations. The second group is negative symptoms, which are equated with withdrawal from social life, apathy, loss of interest, emotional indifference, loss of abilities, for example: feeling of pleasure, making one’s own decisions, spontaneous behavior. They can also lead to slow movements and neglect of one’s own needs.
It is worth adding that schizophrenics may have thoughts and attempts to commit suicide, and 10% die trying to commit suicide. A third type of schizophrenia symptom is cognitive impairment, i.e. problems with concentration, memory and planning. Another type of symptom is mood disturbances (sadness, regret, insecurity) as a result of previous symptoms. In some cases, affective disorders may take form after schizophrenic (or post-psychotic) depression. The fifth type of symptoms of the described disorder is mental disorganization and problems with understanding what is happening in the environment of a schizophrenic, and his inadequate reactions.
Care
The main method of eliminating the symptoms of this disease is pharmacotherapy. In addition to it, psychotherapy is often used, as well as psychoeducation and occupational therapy. Schizophrenia is a disease that comes back gradually. If symptoms worsen, you may need to be hospitalized. The medications taken and the therapy provided can give the patient a chance for a normal life, achievement of goals and social commitment. A diagnosis does not have to mean ostracism, as exemplified by famous people (artists, scientists, athletes, musicians) who have managed to tame schizophrenia.
Occupational therapy for schizophrenia
Various types of occupational therapy are usually adapted to the patient’s current mental state in order to optimally assist him in functioning in society. The purpose of this procedure is, in particular, to learn to cope with the difficulties caused by illness and to recover or acquire useful skills (for example, express yourself in conversation with others, overcome the tendency to withdraw into yourself, as well as plan the day, shop, cook or observe hygiene). As part of this interaction, the patient may learn a new profession more adapted to his abilities (for example, computer skills), but may also attempt to develop his artistic abilities. The latter aspect helps many patients describe their schizophrenia and express themselves in a way that is interesting to the environment.
Other options that are becoming more available are housing (dormitories) and work. They create appropriate conditions for the development and strengthening of independence and independence, which enhances the sense of control over the disease and self-esteem. These methods help to better deal with social stigma and contribute to the development of a social support network. Foundations, communities and other social support groups that offer relevant contacts and programs related to, for example, social, educational and professional activation are of great importance here.