Schizophrenia is the most common and most serious illness of the psychotic disorder group. Patients lose contact with reality and hear or see things which are not real. Influenced by their ideas, they can then act unusually and disproportionately.
Schizophrenia is an episodic illness, i.e. it occurs in psychotic crises (so-called attacks) or later in repeated illness (relapses).
The course of the illness and journey to recovery are positively influenced by a number of factors, in particular a well-functioning family background, timely and well-managed medication and psychological treatment and systematic rehabilitation.
Psychosis sets in for people susceptible to schizophrenia after being faced with excessive mental stress (e.g. school leaving exams, first serious relationship).
Predisposition to illness includes oversensitivity (hypersensitivity) and increased vulnerability, and as such the quality of close relationships is important. Only the predisposition is inherited, not the illness itself. (But if one of their parents suffers from schizophrenia then the chances of a child getting the illness too are around 10 %.)
Schizophrenia begins at a young age – when adult life is just beginning – and as such it can affect patients for practically their whole life.
A psychotic episode never has just one cause, but rather a combination of numerous causes. Some are congenital (inherited, course of pregnancy), while others are influenced by the environment in which patients live, and the events they have experienced.
Only rarely does illness occur suddenly and unexpectedly. An outbreak of illness can follow a period of a few months or years during which the person gradually changes:
For patients, the world becomes incomprehensible; they experience a feeling of loss of control over reality. Things are unclear and take on ambiguous or symbolic importance.
Schizophrenia relapses, and it is therefore important that patients can recognise ‘warning symptoms’ which signal its return (insomnia, irritability, lack of concentration, a feeling that ‘something’s happening again’). By co-operating well with a doctor, they can learn to avoid the return of the illness.
Schizophrenia is treatable.
It is important to recognise the first changes leading to the illness in time – the earlier treatment begins, the greater the chance of full recovery. A third of people recover completely, a third experience occasional relapses of the illness, and for the remaining third schizophrenia takes a chronic course.
People in danger of the illness often remain without specialist help for 1–2 years. Yet the first symptoms can occur 2–6 years before help is sought. Their families often deny the seriousness of the situation, trying to compensate for the problem themselves and assigning behavioural changes to growing up or drug use – most being afraid of psychiatric involvement.
Work training helps people with mental illness prepare for employment or study. It involves practising social skills, in particular in standard work situations. The objective is to boost self-confidence and develop the skills needed.
It has been proven that rehabilitation has a positive effect on treatment – crises are less frequent, can be caught earlier and hospitalisation can be avoided, or be less severe.
Meaningful employment can thus significantly aid recovery and help people with mental illness lead a good quality of life. Even just for the fact the patient gets out of the ever-present circle of hospital – ordinary life – emergency treatment through the process of work.
There’s nothing to worry about – they just need a little more patient management. People with schizophrenia want to work, but it is hard for them to find a job. Employ one of our clients and we will help you train them.
Worth your while
If interested in co-operation, contact us. We will be happy to explain all.
