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World Schizophrenia Day is observed on 24th of May every year to shine a light on the challenges faced by more than 21 millions of people (as per WHO) living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia worldwide. It sets out the steps we can all take to break down the stigma and discrimination and eradicate the myths and superstitions surrounding this much misunderstood illness.

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder that can affect a person’s thinking, emotions and behaviours. The term ‘schizophrenia’ literally means “a splitting of the mind” and was coined in 1910 by Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Paul Eugen Bleuler. Individuals with this illness may have difficulty understanding the reality around them. They may hear voices other people don’t hear or they may perceive the presence of some stimuli even in its absence which is often termed as hallucinations. They may also experience unusual thoughts and faulty beliefs often termed as delusions such as believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts or plotting to harm them. These experiences can terrify people with this illness and make them withdrawn or extremely agitated.

In addition to the symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions which are also called positive symptoms, nearly all people with schizophrenia may have some cognitive impairments including deterioration in their memory, attention and decision making. Some individuals with this illness also have what are called negative symptoms. These can include a lack of expressiveness, low motivation, apathy, an inability to experience and a disinterest in social relationships.

About one in every hundred people (1%) develop schizophrenia at some point in their life and usually starts in early adulthood or late adolescence, typically between the ages of 15 to 28. Men also have a higher risk of suffering from the illness than women. Men have an earlier onset age than women. They also tend to suffer from a more severe form of the disease with more negative symptoms, less chance of a full recovery and a worse outcome. The onset of symptoms may be abrupt or gradual but the course of schizophrenia overtime varies considerably from person to person. Even though schizophrenia runs in families, research shows that the risk of schizophrenia results from the influence of genes acting together with environmental stressors and stressful life events.

There are treatments to help improve functioning and relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia. There are a variety of medications and therapies available to those suffering from schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications can help reduce symptoms and are recommended as the first line treatment for schizophrenia. People can also learn to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning with psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation including Metacognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Social Skills Training, Family Based Services, Supported Employment, Assertive Community Treatment, Illness Self Management etc.

Families and society are affected by schizophrenia too. Many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, so they rely on others for help. Sometimes symptoms may be so severe that a person needs to be hospitalized. The family environment can play a key role in the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia. The family members can help the process of recovery by encouraging treatment and rehabilitation, providing moral support and taking care of the individuals with schizophrenia. Through proper treatment and rehabilitation by trained mental health professionals, most of the individuals with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives.

As part of observing Schizophrenia Awareness Week 2021, we enquired the people who lived with schizophrenia, about what matters to them regarding their mental illness, and this is what they commented to us:

1. Acceptance
2. Un-stigmatization
3. Contribution
4. Support

In conjunction with the theme of 2021 “Discover Better Mental Health”, we’re aiming to highlight the voice of lived experience, to support connection, to provide practical suggestions about how people can discover better mental health, and to let people living with schizophrenia know that they can reach out for support.

Reference:

1. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. 2013. pp. 99–105. ISBN 978-0-89042-555-8.
2. Vita A, Barlati S (May 2018). “Recovery from schizophrenia: is it possible?”. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 31 (3): 246–255.