Problems of Living with Schizophrenia - Coursework Example

Essay Introduction Psychotic illness which poses a major challenge to contemporary psychiatry is characterized by delusions, hallucinations and thought disorders. They are considered to be, in broad terms, due to brain dysfunction that results in improper cognitive and emotional development (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p 311). Schizophrenia is one such mental illness that manifests as changes in behaviour, thinking, feeling and perception (Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). The concept of schizophrenia (formerly dementia praecox) was introduced by the noted German Psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin who was responsible for classifying psychotic disorders (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p311). It has been estimated that about 1 to 1.5% of the population in most countries suffer from schizophrenia. It has been documented that about 285,000 people in Australia have the condition (Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006) 3. This paper explains the major causative factors, symptoms, treatments offered and how to generally cope with schizophrenia. Occurrence and major causative factors of Schizophrenia The age of the first onset for schizophrenia has been estimated to be 15 to 25 with men slightly at a higher risk than women (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p319; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). It can occur as few brief episodes or as a recurrent health condition. The onset may be rapid with the symptoms appearing progressively (Department of Health and Ageing). Both genetic and environmental factors such as stress and substance abuse have been recognised as causative risk factors. Research indicates an alteration in the brain that includes structurally enlarged lateral and third ventricles, decreased cortical volume and decreased volume of the temporal lobes and thalamus are some of the changes which lead to altered cognitive development and behaviour much earlier than the onset of the symptoms. Genetically multiple genes has been considered to increase susceptibility to the disorder. If one parent has the condition the children have a 10-15 percent chance of inheriting the disorder. In case of siblings the chance is 8-10 % and in case of identical twins it is about 50% (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p318-319 ; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). Hypoxia, ischaemia and prenatal infections during pregnancy and birth, place or birth and season such as spring and winter increase the risk of schizophrenia. Stimulants such as cannabis, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine increase the risk and so does stress during adolescence and early adulthood (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p315). An imbalance in neurotransmitters like dopamine is likely to predispose a person to the illness and so does the use of alcohol (Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). A combination of two or more of the above factors increases the risk of developing the disorder. Major symptoms The onset of symptoms occurs much earlier some of which may include depression, withdrawal and reduced speech, and the mode of onset differs from one person to another. However, treatment is started only when the acute symptoms sets in (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p319). The symptoms have been discussed in detail by McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p316-318. Schizophrenic symptoms can be divided into two type’s namely positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms which are an excessive expression of normal thinking processes include delusions or false beliefs, hallucinations or perceiving something that does not exist, and disorganised thinking (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p316-318; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). Negative symptoms on the other hand are deviant form the normal thinking processes and includes exhibiting inappropriate emotions with difficulty in normal interactions, neurocognitve impairment, lack of drive and motivation and withdrawn attitude (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p316-318 ; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). These symptoms tend to increase the tendency to isolate and remain solitary. The major neurocognitve changes observed widely among schizophrenic patients includes inability to react correctly at the right time, reduced memory and difficulty in executing tasks. Negative symptoms are generally associated with schizophrenia which was previously attributed to excessive use of antipsychotics. However, modern medicines are prescribed at much lower doses (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p316-318). Treatment Most of the drugs available to treat psychotic illnesses are syndrome specific, hence early diagnoses of the symptoms and prompt treatment can ensure a speedy recovery from the illness. A proper diagnosis in this case is very crucial for administering the right treatment and quick recovery. If substance abuse is noted, the person is asked to withdraw from using them and further treatment is carried out. Certain other conditions that mimic schizophrenia like epilepsy are also ascertained through appropriate scans (McGorry and McGrath, 2001, p319-320). Medication is generally the treatment of choice for the illness which involves administering antipsychotic drugs (Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). These medicines help to correct any biochemical imbalance that had triggered the illness (Department of Health and Ageing). They are associated with some side effects like trembling and involuntary muscle movements, however, newer medicines have lesser side effects and help in a more speedy recovery process (Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). In addition to medications, the patient can also undergo psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling which help them overcome depressions and delusions that are associated with the illness. CBT has become a successful therapy which aims to inculcate a positive attitude to people with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). Hospitalization may be required if a new drug is trialled or when patient safety is concerned. Support groups and psycho-education also help in the recovery process. Through support groups patients get to meet people suffering from the same illness and share their experiences which help them overcome their loneliness and through adequate education they are better informed about the latest treatment choices and learn to cope better with the illness (Mental Health Association NSW Inc, 2006). These support groups also help to vanquish suicidal thoughts and aggression which are normally exhibited by schizophrenics. The paper by Chadwick et al titled Psychosis and recovery: some patient’s perspectives throws light on the experiences of people who have had and who are dealing with psychotic problems. For most people things had begun from home as home environment, parents and siblings have had a significant effect on their minds especially for Peter, Claire and Janey (Chadwick, Lundin, Brown, McPartlin, Brookman, Antoniou, 2003, p 701-712). A healthy conducive environment at home would alleviate unwanted thoughts thus preventing the development of such illnesses. For some, like Robert, the trigger had been drugs to which he was introduced though peers. The treatment experiences were different for each person. For most of them like Robert, Grace and Allison the side-effects of the medications were worse than the actual illness and they learned to cope with the problem without the medication through proper attention, care and guidance, exercise and positive attitude. For Peter a combination of medication, self-care and a rearranged thought process worked well. Living with the illness Despite the illness people have coped with the problem thorough good guidance, care exercise and medication. For some, like Peter, Janey and Grace, employment as teachers and doing part-time work, socializing and further continuation of education has helped to overcome their psychotic problems and so has good faith and trust in god. This has given them a feeling of being useful to someone. Some had found a good vent through improving their creativity skills. In addition support through adequate counselling and from family and friends have also helped many people live a good life. Medication had changed the course of life for many like Robert thus proving that the right diagnoses combined with the correct medication would greatly stabilize the lives of people with this disorder. However, patients are also increasingly concerned about the rising cost of medicines especially in the US and Britain. If such issues are addressed it would greatly benefit the millions of people suffering from this problem. Overall living a healthy and positive life has helped these and many more overcome the illness (Chadwick et al, 2003, p 701-712). Conclusion In conclusion, people with psychotic problems like schizophrenia need to be respected and treated normally by the society which could itself be a good boost to help them cope with life. This in addition to correct diagnosis and medication, counselling and constant support would give them the confidence to live a fruitful and happy life. Reference: 1. Chadwick, P., Lundin, R., Brown, G., McPartlin, A., Brookman, C., & Antoniou, J. (2003). Psychosis and recovery: some patients’ perspectives. In S. R. Hirsch & D. Weinberger (Eds.). Schizophrenia. (2nd ed. pp. 701 – 712). Oxford: Blackwell. 2. Department of Health and Ageing. (n.d.). What is Schizophrenia? Canberra: Author. 3. McGorry, P. & McGrath, J. (2001). Schizophrenic and related disorders. In S. Bloch & B. S. Singh (Eds.). Foundations of clinical psychiatry. (2nd ed. pp. 310 - 331). Carlton Sth, Vic.: Melbourne Uni Press. 4. Mental Health Association NSW Inc. (2006). Schizophrenia kit. East Sydney: Author. Reflection on Feedback I have incorporated the important information contained within the references. I have also cut down less important issues and have taken the relevant points alone for the essay. I have also corrected the in-text citations and have followed the APA referencing style for them. Read More