Why is Schizophrenia a Devastating Disorder?

Owing to the signs of Schizophrenia, a person with the illness is likely to interpret reality in a way that seems abnormal to others. They may believe that others are trying to control or harm them and may feel compelled to act in ways to protect themselves that appear inexplicable to others. For instance, keeping all doors and windows closed protects the family from the neighbours’ attempts to kill or harm them. People with Schizophrenia are not aware of the changes in their behaviour.

Why is Schizophrenia a Devastating Disorder?

Schizophrenia, one of the most devastating and baffling mental illnesses, is a group of disorders that cause distorted thought and perception. Perceptions can be distorted beyond reality, causing people to see or hear things that are not there.

People with Schizophrenia go through periods of getting better and worse, remission and relapse. They can go for long periods without any symptoms, but because Schizophrenia is often a chronic illness, it requires ongoing medical attention like hypertension or diabetes.

Schizophrenia is neither a “split” personality nor multiple personality disorder, a different and infrequent problem. Though often stigmatized for the behaviours caused by the illness, people with Schizophrenia did not bring the disease upon themselves by becoming involved with the “wrong” crowd or interests. Contrary to the beliefs reinforced by movies, television and books, people with the disorder are more likely to withdraw into isolation or become victims of crime than to hurt anyone else.

Can you Develop Schizophrenia with no family History?

Several different genes are directly linked to Schizophrenia, and scientists have gotten a lot better at pinpointing them. Researchers have discovered that specific genes impact the brain, resulting in structural differences in the brains of people with Schizophrenia and increasing the risk of developing the illness. However, we still do not fully understand how those genes interplay and activate in particular individuals who develop Schizophrenia. The genetics of Schizophrenia remains complex, and more research is needed.

On the other hand, a family member or member with Schizophrenia is a definite risk factor for developing the condition. 80% of people with Schizophrenia do not have relatives with the disease. Schizophrenia likely results from a confluence of factors, some of which are only beginning to be understood.

Does Schizophrenia get worse even when medicated?

Getting a diagnosis of Schizophrenia can be devastating. You may struggle to think clearly, manage your emotions, relate to other people, or even function normally. But having Schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t live a whole and meaningful life. Despite the widespread misconception that people with Schizophrenia have no chance of recovery or improvement, the reality is much more hopeful. Although currently there is no cure for Schizophrenia, you can treat and manage it with medication, self-help strategies, and supportive therapies.

Since Schizophrenia is often episodic, periods of remission from the severest symptoms often provide an excellent opportunity to start employing self-help strategies that may help to limit the length and frequency of future episodes. A diagnosis of Schizophrenia is not a life sentence of ever-worsening symptoms and hospitalizations. You have more control over your recovery than you probably realize.

Can a Schizophrenic Succeed in Life?

Some people have one psychotic episode, while others experience many throughout their lives. When treated with medication and therapy, in many cases, people with Schizophrenia can pursue their goals, have healthy relationships, keep jobs, and be productive members of their communities. 

Once medication and therapy begin to work, these strategies can help ease the challenges of Schizophrenia:

• Stay focused on your treatment goals. Tell family members or friends your goals so they can provide support.
• Stick to your treatment plan. Even if symptoms lessen, you must go to therapy and take your medication as directed. Use a medication calendar or weekly pillbox to remember to take drugs.
• Know your warning signs. Have a plan to deal with symptoms as they arise so you can get the right help as soon as possible.
• Take care of yourself. Your physical health is an essential part of feeling good, too. Eat nutritious foods, exercise, and follow a regular sleep routine. Do not smoke or use alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Incorporate relaxation and stress management techniques into your life. Regular meditation or tai-chi can help reduce stress and avoid triggering an episode.
• Join a support group. Share stories and advice with people who understand what you are going through. 

Medication for Schizophrenia that you can use along with therapy:

• Chlorpromazine – this medicine is a psychiatric drug that belongs to the class of remedies called phenothiazine antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. It can reduce aggressive behaviour and the desire to hurt yourself and others. It may also help to decrease hallucinations.