Types of schizophrenia
Paranoid
People with paranoid schizophrenia often suffer symptoms such as:
- hearing internal voices not heard by others
- believing that other people are reading their minds
- believing others are controlling their thoughts
- believing others are plotting to harm them
These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Their speech and behaviour can be so disorganized that they may be incomprehensible or frightening to others. Some people have only one episode; others have many episodes during a lifetime.
Hebephrenic
Hebephrenic Schizophrenia tends to have an earlier onset than other subtypes, between the ages of 15 and 25 years. Although delusions and hallucinations are present, they are relatively minor and symptoms are dominated by:
- bizarre behaviour
- mood might appear empty and purposeless
Catatonic
Catatonic schizophrenia includes episodes of behaviour at extreme opposite ends of the spectrum. You may seem like you're in a coma-like daze, unable to speak, move or respond, you may talk and behave in a bizarre, hyperactive way. Catatonic episodes may last for a month or longer without treatment. Catatonic schizophrenia is rare today because of improved schizophrenia treatment.
Signs and symptoms
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms you may be experiencing Schizophrenia:
- Hallucinations when you hear, smell, feel, or see that other people can't.
- Delusions when you believe something (and are completely sure of it) while other people think you have misunderstood what is happening. It's as though you see things in a completely different way from everyone else.
- Paranoid delusions, ideas that make you feel persecuted or harassed.
- Ideas of reference where you see special meanings in ordinary, day-to-day events. It may feel that things are especially connected to you: that radio or TV programmes are about you, or that someone is telling you things in odd ways e.g. through the colours of cars passing in the street.
- Muddled thinking (or 'thought disorder') you may find it harder to concentrate, it's more and more difficult to complete everyday tasks.
- A feeling of being controlled such as your body is being taken over, that you are being controlled like a puppet or a robot.
- You start to lose your normal thoughts, feelings and motivations.
- You lose interest in life. Your energy, emotions and 'get-up-and-go' just drain away. It's hard to feel excited or enthusiastic about anything.
- You can't concentrate.
- You don't bother to get up or go out of the house.
- You stop washing or tidying, or keeping your clothes clean.
- You feel uncomfortable with people.
Options
Schizophrenia can be successfully managed. The first step is identifying the signs and symptoms. The second step is seeking help without delay. The third is sticking with treatment. With the right treatment and support from family, friends, and health professionals, a person with schizophrenia can lead a happy, fulfilling life.
Learn to recognise early signs that you are getting unwell, such as everyday things like going off your food, feeling anxious or not sleeping and mild symptoms: you feel a bit suspicious or fearful or start to worry about people's motives. You may start to hear voices quietly or occasionally, or find it difficult to concentrate. If you experience these seek help.
- try to avoid things that make you worse, such as stressful situations
- avoid using alcohol or street drugs
- learn relaxation techniques
- make sure you regularly do something you enjoy
- find ways of controlling your voices
- spend time with other people
- listen to music through headphones, (TV and radio also work but may annoy your family or neighbours)
- remind yourself that your voices can't harm you
- remind yourself that your voices don't have any power over you and can't force you to do anything you don't want to
- join a self-help group for people with similar experiences to yours
- get someone you trust to tell you if you are becoming unwell again
- learn about schizophrenia and your medication
- talk it over with your nurse, mental health worker, psychiatrist, or someone else with schizophrenia
- ask for written information about your diagnosis and treatment
- if your medication is not working well, ask about other medications
Friends and family
The support of family and friends plays an important role in schizophrenia treatment and recovery. If someone close to you has schizophrenia, you can make an enormous difference by helping that person find the right treatment, recognize and cope with symptoms. You can also play a crucial role by encouraging your friend or family member and offering support as they move towards recovery.
You also need to take care of yourself. You'll be better equipped to assist your family or friend if you draw on the support of others and take advantage of support available. Dealing with a family member's schizophrenia can be tough, but you don't have to do it alone.
- educate yourself about schizophrenia and its treatment options
- avoid putting undue pressure on the person
- help the person to set and achieve manageable goals
- be patient with the pace of recovery
- try to support the person whilst still encouraging as much independence as possible
- join a support group
- make time for yourself and look after your own health
- encourage the person to take medications regularly as prescribed