Schizophrenia
...ophrenia concerns slightly more men than women. Almost all people with schizophrenia are not dangerous when they are in treatment, however, their behavior can be quite unpredictable or unusual. Scientists still do not know exactly what causes schizophrenia. Research suggests that schizophrenia has something to do with problems in brain structure and brain chemistry. To have schizophrenia, a person must have “loss of reality” symptoms for at least six months and show that he or she is having greater and greater problems acting and doing things normally. It is true that many people with schizophrenia never return completely to their normal lives. No more than one in five individuals recovers completely from schizophrenia. Although these individuals never completely recover, several therapies are offered to calm and control symptoms that appear frightening to both the schizophrenic individual and the individuals around him or her. Unfortunately, side effects exist for virtually every therapy and medication offered for schizophrenic patients. For psychotherapy, the patient may feel overwhelmed and become socially withdrawn. A person with schizophrenia may resist treatment altogether, believing that delusions and hallucinations are real and that psychiatric help is not required. Fortunately several benefits continue to exist for every “bad” side effect of psychotherapy. People diagnosed with schizophrenia become better able to differentiate between what is real and what is not with psychotherapy and with significant help from a therapist of psychiatrist. During sessions of psychotherapy, schizophrenic patients learn to sort out the real from the unreal and the distorted. Patients are given tools to develop their own strengths and capabilities. This helps the patient to be considerably more conscious of their life and what goes on in it. “Establishing a relationship with the schizophrenic often requires the greatest patience and professional discipline.” (Family Practice 326) Some therapists believe in the biologically oriented approach to treating schizophrenics while others firmly believe in the non-medical approach. (Bower 268) The advance in treatment mostly depends on the severity of the case. Antipsychotic drugs treat the most critical of situations. It is difficult for therapists to begin a healthy relationship with a schizophrenic individual because a schizophrenic mistrusts relationships that he or she also greatly desires. (“Psychotherapy” 326) In order for schizophrenics to realize what is real and what is not, therapists must possess certain abilities that can be used during psychotherapy, or psychosis therapy. “The most essential requirements in psychosis therapy are persistence, honesty, and an ability to convey to the patient hope for a better future, even if it’s a distant one.” (Bower 269) The patient will not believe he or she will get better and sort reality from fantasy if his or her therapist has no faith regarding the outcome of treatment. During psychotherapy, “a therapist first helps a person to notice his or her physical and emotional reactions to stress…” (Bower 293) The therapist also asks questions during their therapy to better understand what is going on in the schizophrenic patient’s life. In the eyes of a schizophrenic, people may stop talking or begin acting different when the schizophrenic person enters the room. Some patients also believe in curses, omens, hexes, voodoo, witchcraft, and magic. Therapists may ask if their eyes are playing tricks on them. The therapist also confronts the schizophrenic about what they hear, see, and feel. Schizophrenic patients then discuss with their therapist things that frighten them, people they dislike, or even abnormal sensations they have. The difficulties and shame of schizophrenia is a barrier to those trying to rehabilitate themselves. It is also a very real problem for their families. Families play a major role in helping the schizophrenic person understand what is happening to them and how to deal with it. In a study done, “For fifty-four individuals who lived alone or with non-family members, schizophrenia symptoms reappeared and worsened most often for those receiving psychotherapy.” (Bower 293) With the help of therapists and family, schizophrenics can learn and understand more about their illness. “Psychotherapy explores a patient’s personal history for insight into how psychiatric disorders and substance abuse have reinforced one another and how the cycle can be broken.” (Harvard Mental Health Letter 1) Patients that abuse their psychiatric medications or other medications are at a higher risk for relapse than those who do not. Schizophrenic patients are more willing to participate in therapy if their families are supporting them. Psychotherapy allows schizophrenics to talk with therapists about their illness and how important it is to follow treatment plans. Other psychiatric disorders may exist in some schizophrenics. Finding an effective treatment plan is very difficult, but psychotherapy helps the individuals to recall the events and emotions that occurred before the episode, so that he or she may be able to watch and recognize approaching sighs of trouble. Family members have a number of concerns about what will happen when a relative with schizophrenia returns home after discharge from the hospital. Psychotherapy includes family and friends of the schizophrenic individual to be involved. Helping the individual cope with their disease proves to be difficult. Relaxing is also an important part for schizophrenics. Speaking with a slow-paced and low-toned voice and using short, simple sentences avoids confusion. Explaining clearly what you are doing, and why you are doing it also avoids uncertainty. Establishing a structured and regular routine and being consistent and predictable helps schizophrenics cope with their “new” lifestyle. Eating meals with the family may be too overwhelming at first, so reducing stress and tension will help considerably. (Shute 46) Also, persuade, but never force, a schizophrenic patient to take his or her medication and to keep all medical appointments. It is also important for family to discuss how their schizophrenic relative feels about doing more things. Personal hygiene, getting dressed and eating scheduled meals needs to be mastered first. Then assign household responsibilities that are within the schizophrenic’s abilities. To help relax the schizophrenic relative, encourage, but never push, him or her to be part of social gatherings. It may be difficult for the schizophrenic individual to have a conversation with someone, but he or she could enjoy their company in other ways such as watching television, listening to music, or playing cards. Identify their major behaviors and deal with them in a direct, honest manner. Encouraging schizophrenics to take responsibility will also help them cope at home and at work. Teaching them how to deal ...