A person with schizophrenia experiences a range of behavioural, emotional, and cognitive symptoms which have a major impact on their everyday functioning. Characteristics of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, abnormal interpretations of reality, and disorganised thinking, speech and behaviour. For most people with schizophrenia this is a lifelong condition which requires ongoing treatment.
Schizophrenia is caused by a mix of biological and environmental factors. Physical differences in brain structure and chemicals within the brain have been identified. Risk factors for developing schizophrenia include having a family history of the condition, complications during pregnancy or birth, experiencing trauma, and use of drugs over adolescence or young adulthood.
The symptoms tend to develop gradually following a stressful event or major life change. Schizophrenia is associated with many poor health and social outcomes. These include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, financial issues, homelessness, inability to work or attend school, increased risk of many diseases, and a reduced life expectancy. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours are common in those with schizophrenia. 20% will attempt suicide and 5 to 6% will die by suicide. The stigma and misunderstanding surrounding the condition can add to these challenges making it hard to access housing, employment, and healthcare, and leading to social isolation.
- Delusions - False or odd beliefs that are not shared by others and cannot be changed.
- Hallucinations - A sensory experience that isn’t real. E.g. hearing voices, seeing things that are not there.
- Disorganised speech - Speech which is hard to understand or does not make sense.
- Abnormal emotions, behaviours, and thinking.
- Disorganised or catatonic behaviour.
- May lack insight, or not be aware that they have a problem.
- Lack of emotional expression, flat emotion.
- Low mood, lack of motivation.
- Problems with memory, attention, and concentration.
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Experiencing depression, anger, anxiety, paranoia.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
Treatment for schizophrenia commonly involves a combination of medication, psychological therapy, and social interventions. Treatment is usually led by a psychiatrist with input from other mental health professionals, such as a psychologist, mental health nurse, and social worker. Schizophrenia is usually a chronic condition which requires ongoing treatment.
Medication:
Medication is key in the treatment of schizophrenia. Antipsychotics are prescribed to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Often people with schizophrenia lack insight into their condition, or are unaware they have the disorder. This can make them reluctant to engage with treatment or take medication. For this reason, sometimes a long-acting antipsychotic may be injected every two to four weeks instead of the individual taking daily medication.
Psychosocial Interventions:
Psychological Therapy:
Psychological therapy can be used to help the individual learn how to manage their condition, how to recognise when symptoms may be getting worse, and to learn ways to cope with stress.
Social Skills Training:
Social skills training can help to improve interpersonal skills, communication, and relationships.
Daily Living Support:
People with schizophrenia will often need daily living support and some may need to live in supported housing. There are organisations which can help those with schizophrenia find housing, jobs, and access general support.
Support Networks:
Joining a peer support group with others who are living with schizophrenia can be beneficial. This can be a way to form a support network and learn from each other.
Whānau/ family and friends should try to learn about schizophrenia so they can better understand what their loved one is going through and how best to support them. Some families may benefit from family therapy.
Hospitalisation:
If symptoms are severe, the individual is unsafe, or is unable to take care of themself then hospitalisation may be needed. This is to ensure that they are safe, their basic hygiene is maintained, and that they eat and sleep well.
Talking Minds is a website for those who experience psychosis to find support, resources, and develop a better understanding of the condition. The website was co-designed by those who have personal experience with psychosis and their whānua/ family.
The ‘Support groups and services’ page contains links to organisations around NZ who provide services such as counselling, daily living assistance, and help gaining employment. There is also information on how to support someone experiencing psychosis, and personal stories from those who live with schizophrenia and other similar conditions.
This New Zealand video, created by Attitude, shares the story of Daniel who lives with schizophrenia. Daniel is an artist. He is an actor, writer, and poet who uses his schizophrenia to inspire his work. He describes his symptoms, how he has learnt to be resilient and accept that his recovery will take time, and how the misconceptions about schizophrenia can be harmful.
Schizophrenia is a mental illness which is often stigmatised and misunderstood. This TED-Ed video explains the condition; the causes, differences in brain functioning, symptoms, treatments, misconceptions, and who is at risk of developing the condition.
The ‘Schizophrenia Factsheet’ created by ‘Rethink Mental Illness” provides a detailed overview of schizophrenia. It outlines what the condition is, the symptoms, and treatment options. This is great information for those who live with schizophrenia and for whānau and friends.
Click on the “Download Schizophrenia Factsheet” button to access the factsheet.