LAST week I received a request to discuss Schizophrenia, a disorder that is more common in Guyana than most people think. My hope is to reach out to those who may be suffering or watching their loved ones suffer from this disorder.

I want to start off by saying that from what I’ve seen, many people who suffer from this in Guyana believe it to be a demonic possession.
Schizophrenia is a type of mental illness that affects an individual’s thought processes, feelings and behaviour. People with this disorder will seem as though they have (more often than not) lost touch with reality. My research shows that in 2013, there were 23.6 million people suffering from schizophrenia worldwide. It affects more males than females who typically start to show signs by age 15-16. Unfortunately, life expectancy of those with this disorder is about 10-20 years less than those without it, due to its association with low energy, poor diet, obesity, increased risk of substance abuse and suicidal behaviours.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

There are three types of schizophrenia symptoms: positive, negative and cognitive.
The positive symptoms comprise psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions and unusual behaviour processes. There is a difference between hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations occur when the individual sees or hears things that are not there — that are not caused by any type of stimulus. Delusions are similar, but are caused by a stimulus. For example, if the individual sees someone behind them, they will assume they are being followed/stalked etc.

Negative symptoms are associated with disturbances in behaviour and emotions such as mood changes which may seem like depression. They will lose interest in previously enjoyed activities, isolate themselves and seem more anxious/irritated than usual.

The cognitive symptoms include problems with brain function such as memory loss, concentration/attention and even basic understanding. The individuals rarely ever, in this case, know that they have a mental disorder.

The positive, negative and cognitive symptoms are the main signs of schizophrenia but there are other, faster and earlier tell-tale signs that one can look out for. Someone who is developing the disorder will start to show abnormal social behaviour. They will fail to realise or accept reality in many situations due to false beliefs and confused thinking. There will be a sudden lack in motivation and energy, which results in loss of productivity and efficiency at work, school or in home-care. Schizophrenia is also highly correlated with irritable bowel syndrome and the onset of heavy tobacco smoking.

With any mental illness, especially schizophrenia, individuals are at a high risk of being victims to violence and abuse. During periods of psychosis, they are also more likely to be the perpetrators of violence than the general population.

WHAT CAN CAUSE SCHIZOPHRENIA?
The risk factors for schizophrenia are much like any other mental illness. One is much more likely to develop the disorder based on their brain structure, genes, family and personal history. This means the individual may have a chemical imbalance involving certain neurotransmitters in the brain, or may have a family member with the disorder. It is not caused by any particular gene but is more likely to develop when a child is premature or has problems during birth, especially with viruses. They may have had personal trauma such as physical or sexual abuse, which could be the trigger for development.

HOW DO WE TREAT SCHIZOPHRENIA?
Like most mental illnesses, schizophrenia cannot be cured, but treated in the sense where the individual could lead a normal and productive life. Treatment needs to include prescription medication and psychotherapy. This means, the individual must go to the nearest health centre if he or she is exhibiting possible signs and symptoms.
Hospitalisation is required in severe cases to ensure adherence to medication, which is usually an issue with schizophrenia patients.
While people with schizophrenia do tend to overuse drugs, the use of drugs can also bring on schizophrenia. This is particularly the case with marijuana. Heavy marijuana use over time has been known to bring out schizophrenia in individuals with a family history of the disorder. This long-term use will also eventually cause psychosis.
In cases such as these, family involvement is crucial. There needs to be constant encouragement to remain on treatment. While parenting style is not a casual factor, patients do better with a positive family support system.

Treatment should be a priority as untreated and severe cases may result in unemployment, poverty, lack of independence, substance abuse, homelessness and suicidal thoughts/behaviours. There is a higher than average suicide rate associated with schizophrenia. My research shows that 20-40% of schizophrenic patients attempt suicide at least once.
The individuals may be reluctant to seek help, again because they may not know/think anything is wrong. This is where you- family and friends come in. Encourage them to get help. Listen and understand, rather than judge.
If you feel like you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms, please visit your nearest health centre and share your concerns.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com
If you would like private counselling sessions, please WhatsApp or call +592 623 0433
Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896

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