$Unique_ID{BRK02079}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Characteristics of Schizophrenia and Ways of Dealing with a
Schizophrenic}
$Subject{psychiatric care psychiatry schizophrenia mental illness mental
health psychotic symptoms disturbance of thought perception feeling behavior
genetic environmental posturing delusional states delusions delusion
chemotherapy counseling insanity}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Characteristics of Schizophrenia and Ways of Dealing with a Schizophrenic


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QUESTION:  I am living in a private hell, created by the illness of my
husband.  After years of trying to deal with a number of frightening
experiences, psychiatric care was started, and the diagnosis of schizophrenia
was made.  Yet to date there has been little improvement, and I need some
information about the future, and some guidance as to what I must do to
preserve my family.  Can you offer me any help?

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ANSWER:  Schizophrenia is a most complex and frustrating disease to deal with,
and even with all the research that has already been accomplished, many gaps
are still present in our understanding of this mental illness.  It is not a
rare disease, with an estimated 2.8 million Americans touched by the disease,
almost 1 in every 100, and it is a disease that has many consequences for the
families as well as the patients.  The disease tends to be a chronic one, with
periods of improvement followed by recurrence.  The psychotic symptoms involve
disturbances of thought, perception, feeling and behavior, weaving complex
patterns that strike at the individual's ability to function.  The illness
usually strikes the young, before the age of 45, with the greatest number of
stricken falling between the ages of 18 to 24 years of age.
     Scientists are constantly trying to determine whether the disease is
caused by an inherited trait (genetic), or caused by the pressures and
tensions of living (environmental).  Perhaps it may be the result of factors
in both areas, but there is little evidence available that supports one theory
over another.
     The patient is a difficult one to deal with, for the results of the
illness cause behavior patterns that can not be easily managed in the home
environment.  Thought disorders produce chains of illogical speech, which
though pronounced with absolute conviction, have little real meaning.
Physical actions can range from periods of high activity to periods of time
when the patient may refuse to speak at all, remaining mute, often crouched in
a head down position.  Posturing is frequent, where the patient may assume
bizarre positions and hold them for prolonged periods.
     Schizophrenics also suffer from delusional states, believing that they
are under the influence of supernatural forces, during which they may hear
voices or receive commands.  Often they believe they are the reincarnation of
some important person from the past, The Messiah, Napoleon, or Christ being
most common.  Violent behavior and frightening aggressive behavior is another
cruel manifestation of this complex disease.
     When the situation becomes too difficult to manage at home, as during an
acute stage, hospitalization is the only logical recourse.  This provides an
opportunity for a careful investigation and complete diagnosis.  There, in a
protective environment, chemotherapy, counseling and social support can all be
focused on the problems.  The family has an opportunity as well to
reorganize and prepare to deal with the future.  Although the disease is
classified as a chronic disorder, statistics show that about 30 percent of the
patients recover completely and many of the others show some improvement.
     However, it is not possible for me to predict the future of your
husband's illness, as there are so many possibilities, so many twists in the
course of this illness.  You will need constant help, and a changing group of
resources.  A good place to start is to contact the National Self-Help
Clearinghouse, 25 W. 43rd Street, Room 630, New York, NY 10036.  Explain your
needs in your letter, and provide a stamped self-addressed envelope for their
reply.  It is the first step that may lead you to the local resources you need
to cope with your problems.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.