Mental Health Matters:

Schizophrenia

Understanding Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is the name psychiatrists use to describe what they see as a form of mental illness.  It is a condition which results in a dramatic disturbance in the individual's thoughts and feelings; they start to experience the world very differently and their behaviour may change and appear bizarre to others.

What is it ?

Every person's experience of schizophrenia is unique.  The range of symptoms is so wide that what is called 'schizophrenia' may well cover different conditions.  It can in fact be difficult to distinguish schizophrenia from other forms of medically categorised mental distress, such as manic depression.  Some critics of psychiatry say that schizophrenia, because it is so difficult to define, should be dropped as a diagnostic category.

In order to make a diagnois of schizophrenia the psychiatrist looks for:

• Thought Disorder
• Auditory Hallucinations
• Delusions

Cultural differences confuse the issue even further. For example, condsider a white, male psychiatrist, born and brought up in English middle class society and a patient who is a Black woman, brought up in rural Jamaica and now living in a poor inner city area of England.  With their very different experiences of life, they will not see or understand the world in the same way.

Causes of schizophrenia

It is not easy to identify the causes of a form of mental distress which is so difficult to define.  There are so many factors which influence feelings and behaviour that it is hard to deduce which factor has had which effect. The following have been looked at as possible causes:

• Genetic
• Biochemical
• Family background
• Stressful life events

Treatment

Major tranquillisers, such as Largactil,Stelazine and Modecate are often prescribed.  You may be given tablets or a syrup to be taken daily or an injection which is given weekly, fortnightly or monthly.   People react to these drugs in different ways and the dosage has to be reviewed regularly.  The aim should be to keep it as low as possible.  MIND believes that there should also be advice and support for people who want to stop taking them.

Talking treatments give people a chance to talk through their difficulties with someone who is committed to listen and help.

Living with schizophrenia

An episode of schizophrenia will obviously cause you many difficulties.  The symptoms are frightening.  You may behave in ways which upset other people.  When you feel calmer you may find it hard to find the motivation to sort your life out.  It can be discouraging to find that the support you need is not available.  But there are people who will be sympathetic and others who have come through similar experiences, may be able to help you

For friends and relatives

It is extremely upsetting and exhausting when a close friend or someone in your family goes through an episode of schizophrenia.  You may want to help but find that you cannot communicate with the person.  They may even be hostile to you.

How Mind in Manchester can help.

Contact the Information service on

0161 272 8205

The Information service provides information about mental health services and groups in Manchester over the telephone and in writing via letter, fax and email. The Information service is generally staffed during the daytime. An answer machine is available at all times and we will endeavour to return your call within 48 hours.

Write to us at:

Unit 25,
The Progress Centre,
Charlton Place,
Ardwick Green
Manchester
M12 6HS

Email us at:
info@mind-in-manchester.org.uk