Information on Schizophrenia
General Information
on Schizophrenia | Publications and Resources
Support Groups
General Information on
Schizophrenia
What is Schizophrenia
| Symptoms | Treatment
Relating to People Seriously Ill with Schizophrenia
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that impairs a person's
ability to think clearly, manage his or her emotions and relate to others.
The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but it appears to be genetic
and is the result of problems with brain chemistry and structure, perhaps
including brain abnormalities early in life as well.
Schizophrenia affects one in 100 persons or 1 percent of
the global population. For Alberta, with a population 3 million
people, 30,000 persons will be diagnosed with the illness in their
lifetime. In Canada, with a population of 30 million, that's over
300,000 persons.
Schizophrenia is NOT ...
A person with schizophrenia does not have "a split
personality" or "multiple personalities". It is not
caused by bad parenting or personal weakness.
Schizophrenia can affect anyone at any age, but most often
develops between the ages of 15-25. People with schizophrenia may
experience the following symptoms:
- disorganized thinking,
- hallucinations,
- delusions,
- emotional withdraw,
- difficult and abstract thinking.
There is no known cure, but schizophrenia is treatable.
Medications are the cornerstone of treating this illness. Treatment
includes:
- medications,
- regular medical follow-ups,
- psychosocial rehabilitation,
- community support,
- hospitalization.
Medications can have some side effects including:
- dry mouth,
- burred vision,
- drowsiness,
- muscle stiffness.
Relating to People Seriously Ill
with Schizophrenia
- Focus on the consumer's actions, rather than words. Measure his/her
capabilities and progress on the basis of what they do, or what seems
likely they should be able to do. Don't overlook cognitive deficits.
Do not make the assumption that control of bizarre thinking and
behaviour means that the consumer is functioning normally.
- Promote independence. Expect disabled consumers to do as much as
they can, even when it results in some time delay, inconvenience,
struggle or discomfort. Involve consumers in family and treatment
decisions.
- Be encouraging. While it is important to point out errors, and
encourage self-corrective behaviours and self-monitoring, it is even
more important to call attention to the person's assets and successes,
so they won't get discouraged. Go easy on criticism; offer praise
after every achievement.
- Regulate tone and rhythm of voice. Give instructions and supply
feedback in a calm, firm voice, while maintaining eye contact. Don't
shout as though the consumer can't hear you. Simplify what you want to
communicate by speaking more slowly and clearly, in shorter and
simpler sentences. Employ gestures as needed, but don't talk down to
the consumer. Give him/her time to response.
- Repeat instructions. If the consumer is quite resistant, or even
argumentative, don't repeat what you want ("broken record")
or leave and return to ask again. In short, proceed with good natured
persistence, avoiding "power struggles."
- Respect the person's limits. They may be more alert at some times of
the day than others. Frequent breaks or rest periods may be needed.
- Set your goals for the long haul. Take gratification from small, but
real gains in the performance or prevention of further
deterioration. Remember, the goal is for the patient to
accomplish without, or with minimum, assistance.
- Establish a routine. Active but uncluttered daily schedules, with
regular mealtimes and activities, helps the consumer to stay
organized. Written or posted schedules may help some patients.
- Structure a balance of activities. It is crucial to keep each
consumer as physically, mentally, and socially active as possible, to
prevent mental, emotional, and physical deterioration. For example,
insist that they stay out of bed except during agreed upon hours,
dress and groom appropriately, make minimal uses of
"crutches", and involve themselves with others.
- Assist with basic needs if required. Consumers who are quite
disorganized may require supervision of their medications, and may
require that others anticipate and supply certain needs (e.g. meal
preparation; money management).
Attention/concentration problems:
- Find a quiet place without distractions when you want to talk or
work with a consumer.
- Schedule activities with regard for the consumer's limits, i.e.
shorter and more frequent sessions.
- Shorten and simplify what you have to say to the consumer, using
demonstration or written instructions, as needed, to promote
understanding.
- Always explain what you intend to do with the consumer, before
initiating the activity. This gives them the chance to get oriented,
and raises the chances and co-operation.
- If the consumer is apt to say no, give them the choice of two or
three activities so they can have control over what they do.
- Avoid making your requests in a way that can simply be answered with
a "no."
- Always start with a simpler task, and build from there so the
consumer can enjoy as much success as possible throughout the process.
- Teach the person to carry written reminders or plans. If something
interferes with their activity, such portable helps can enable them to
stay goal directed, even when they are alone.
Publications and Resources
Central
Resource Database | On-Line
Publications
The SSA has access to several publications, and audio and
video cassettes on schizophrenia.
Publications available include:
- Schizophrenia: Youth's Greatest Disabler (booklet)
- Learning About Schizophrenia: Rays of Hope (book)
- Schizophrenia Society of Alberta Video (VHS video)
The Provincial Office researches and acquires various resources for
distribution to the SSA Chapters, where they are accessible to all
members.
 Each
SSA Chapter hosts their own Resource Library. For your convenience,
we have compiled a centralized listing of all resources available through
various SSA Chapters. This Database lists the resource name;
indicates by colour coding whether it is a Book, Video, or Audio resource;
and has a link to the Chapter where the resource is available.
As a member of
the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, you have access to these
resources! We will be updating this Central Resource Database
as new items are acquired by the Provincial Office and distributed to the
SSA Chapters - so check back regularly!
If you would like to recommend a
resource (book, video or audio tape, etc.) which is not listed or
currently available in our Database please let us know! We will
endeavour to acquire it so that all SSA members have access to the
resource.
Where possible, we will be posting publications
on-line. This section will be updated on an ongoing basis, so check
back regularly!
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