DISORRED UNDERSTANDING SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia is one of society’s most debilitating mental illnesses, afflicting approximately one out of every 100 people. Although the severity of this condition varies, it can be devastating. Life is fundamentally and permanently altered for patients and families who are touched by it. Characterized by the bizarre, schizophrenia presents families with life-long challenges. However, it may be possible to mitigate these challenges through early detection. Like other mental illnesses, some people are at a higher risk. Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are 10 times more likely to be affected than the general population. However, no one is immune; those without a genetic predisposition are just less likely to develop the illness. This being the case, knowing what to look for can help in two key areas — identifying the presence of schizophrenia and intervention at an early stage.

The Importance Of Early Detection

Research indicates that early intervention and prompt treatment of symptoms will increase the odds of a good prognosis. A window of opportunity seems to exist very early in the disease where intervention and treatment can lessen the severity of schizophrenia. Parents, especially with atrisk children, should become familiar with symptoms and seek medical attention if they arise.

It is terrifying when a young person exhibits symptoms of a severe mental health disorder. This may account for one reason many parents overlook early indications of chronic mental illness. Another reason, perhaps, is the nature of the symptoms themselves. At first glance, they may resemble common teenage idiosyncrasies; however, mild or innocuous early symptoms should not be disregarded. According to an in-depth report written by The New York Times, a long-term study showed over 40 percent of people with schizophrenia who developed the disease in young adulthood had reported psychotic symptoms by age 11.

Early Warning Signs Of Schizophrenia

Symptoms of schizophrenia usually emerge after puberty. Subtle changes are usually observed before unmistakable warnings such as hallucinations. They may gradually become more severe during what is known as the prodromal phase. During this period, a young person may exhibit mild behavioral, personality, or cognitive changes well before the first unambiguous psychosis. Because they emerge before the onset of an easily identifiable psychotic episode, early warning signs can be difficult for friends or loved ones to recognize. These changes do not appear overnight, although they may progress quickly through what has been called “a moment to moment march of psychological changes.” Armed with the right information, family and friends can identify early symptoms of schizophrenia.

Prodromal symptoms include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Social withdrawal or isolation

• Changes in appetite

• Inability to feel or express emotions

• Changes in sleep routine (too much or too little sleep)

• Decreased performance levels at school or work

• Changes in personal hygiene (may stop showering or brushing teeth)

• Abnormal expressions (looking happy or sad inappropriately)

• Blank, expressionless looks when talking or listening

• Changes in mood (aggression, increased irritability, apathy, passivity)

• Sudden suspicion of friends, family, or other entities, including government and/or law enforcement agencies

• Subtle hallucinations

• Hearing voices

• Paranoia

This is a partial list of potential symptoms. Some patients experience one, several, or none of the above. Others may exhibit symptoms not listed. Despite the fact that some are commonly present in other mental health disorders, these may be early indications of schizophrenia and thus warrant your attention.

What To Do

Speak to a physician or mental health worker if early symptoms emerge prior to the onset of a psychotic episode. Treatment

SOURCE: Long, Philip W., M.D. “Schizophrenia”. Internet Mental Health. Retrieved May 13, 2013, from http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-ps01.html; “Schizophrenia”. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrived May 13, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia.shtml; “Schizophrenia In-Depth Report”.

‘The New York Times.’ Retrieved May 13, 2013, from http:// health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/schizophrenia/print.html; Edited by Addington, Jean, Francey Shona M., and Morrison, Anthony. “Working with People at High Risk of Developing Psychosis: A Treatment Handbook”. Sussex: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2006. Print of mental illness is effective today; almost any patient can lead a life of satisfaction, happiness, and near-normalcy. The need for treatment, however, is paramount. Without medication and therapy, those afflicted with schizophrenia will not improve.

Any mental health disorder should be treated early, but with schizophrenia, it is even more important. A mounting body of evidence suggests delay may result in more frequent and more severe relapse into psychosis. Late treatment is also associated with a poorer response to treatment, as well a longer response time to that treatment.

If a young person exhibits clear, unmistakable signs of psychosis such as severe paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations, seek help immediately. Psychotic symptoms do not get better without treatment; they usually get worse. Patients may become completely disconnected from reality, requiring immediate hospitalization.

Prognosis

Schizophrenia is no longer a life sentence of permanent isolation or institutionalization. Increased tolerance of medication makes the illness easier to treat and offers patients the opportunity to enjoy a quality of life thought impossible in the past. What was once believed to be an untreatable, irreversible illness has been transformed by modern medicine.

Recognition and treatment of schizophrenia during the prodromal phase may reduce the long-term consequences of the disease. Especially if you have an at-risk child, stay vigilant and prepared to act if symptoms emerge. Doing so will not only benefit the entire family; it will benefit a young person who may be suffering from schizophrenia.