Women’s Month - early help can make all the difference to people living with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a misunderstood condition, with many stigmatising the condition and assuming people living with schizophrenia are crazy. In fact, schizophrenia is a severe chronic illness and is treatable. This condition affects the brain, making it difficult for a person to separate what is real from what is not.1

In some cases, the disease can appear without warning. 1 Most often though, schizophrenia presents with symptoms that can significantly affect daily life.

Three types of schizophrenia symptomsSymptoms associated with schizophrenia are characterised according to three types: positive, negative or cognitive.2 The positive and negative symptoms are easier to detect than the cognitive symptoms.2

Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and movement disorders. Negative symptoms are linked to emotions and behaviours. Negative symptoms can include a person’s inability to enjoy everyday life.2

Cognitive symptoms can include trouble focusing, memory problems, and the inability to use the information to make decisions.2 Healthcare professionals can only detect cognitive symptoms after performing medical tests.2

Schizophrenia in women

There's no difference between the diagnosis rates in men and women3, however, the disease often exhibits in women in their late 20s to early 30s.4 This is also when women are most likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.4

Although, it is not uncommon for women older than 45 years to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.2 The late onset of the disease is unclear, but hormonal changes are thought to be a contributing factor.2

Men are usually diagnosed with schizophrenia early in their lives, most likely during their late teens to early 20s.4

Seek professional medical help early on for a better lifeOften people showing symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t fully aware of their well-being, and it is up to their family and friends to encourage them to seek professional medical help. And the earlier, the better.

1. Early treatment leads to better outcomesSchizophrenia diagnosis can only be determined by a healthcare professional, who will prescribe a suitable treatment plan. This treatment can include daily oral or monthly injection, plus therapy, or a monthly injectable, plus lifestyle changes or a combination of treatment.1The sooner treatment starts, the better the outcomes and the sooner a symptom-free life can resume. By delaying seeking professional medical help and treatment, the symptoms can cause more damage to the.5
2. Schizophrenia symptoms can happen in cycles5A person with schizophrenia can experience positive and negative symptoms, not always at the same time.5 This can lead to people assuming they're getting better.5Although it's easier to treat positive symptoms, the effects of negative symptoms can drastically affect a person's involvement in society and the chance of living a fulfilling life.5
3. Untreated diagnosis can cause severe problemsResearch from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) indicates that 10% of people living with schizophrenia die by suicide.3

This research further indicates that people living with schizophrenia and who abuse substances are also at risk of committing acts of violence. This behaviour can be intensified by the most common schizophrenia symptoms including hallucinations and delusions.5

Although schizophrenia is a long term condition, it’s important to remember that with the right treatment, symptoms can be managed, and, a person with schizophrenia can live a fulfilled life with minimal disruption.

It is necessary for family and friends of people living with schizophrenia to stay informed on the latest findings and resources. Schizophrenia24x7 and Our Mental Health Facebook page are credible sources of information that can advise on how best to help. 

References

1. HelpGuide. Schizophrenia symptoms and coping tips.https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-signs-and-symptoms.html. Accessed on 3 July 2020.
2. Psychology Today. Schizophrenia.https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/conditions/schizophrenia. Accessed on 3 July 2020.
3. SADAG. Schizophrenia Facts and Statistics.http://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1442:schizophrenia-facts-and-statistics&catid=38&Itemid=181. Accessed on 3 July 2020.
4. WebMD. Schizophrenia: When Do Symptoms Usually Start?https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/qa/when-do-schizophrenia-symptoms-usually-start. Accessed on 3 July 2020.
5. Health Grades. 11 things doctors want you to know about schizophrenia.https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/schizophrenia/11-things-doctors-want-you-to-know-about-schizophrenia. Accessed on 3 July 2020. 

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