Engelska - What is schizophrenia? Easy-to-read
Schizophrenia is one of a group of illnesses called psychosis. A psychosis means that the person has lost touch with reality.
In schizophrenia that usually means that the person has symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are sensing things that aren’t really there. For example, the person may hear voices speaking to him in his head. It may be the voice of a wicked witch or of Jesus. The wicked witch may tell the person that he is bad, and command him to hurt himself, while the voice of Jesus may reassure the person that he is good and kind.
Delusions
Delusions are beliefs that are not based on reality. For example, the person may believe that an evil spirit is sending messages to him through the TV or radio. Delusions often take the form of being special or powerful, or of outside forces controlling people, or of being pursued. There are many kinds of delusions, but they have in common that they are not based on reality, and other people would not agree with them.
How common is it?
It is quite common. About 1 % of all the people in the world suffer from Schizophrenia.
How do you get it?
The experts still aren’t exactly sure how you get it. You can’t catch schizophrenia from someone who has it. There is a strong family link, which means that if someone in your family has suffered from it, there is a higher chance for you to develop it. However, the risk is still very small.
At what age does it usually start?
Normally schizophrenia develops in the late teens or early twenties. Some people may develop schizophrenia at an older or younger age, but this is rare.
Can it be cured?
Schizophrenia is usually managed. This means that with medication, people can go for long periods of time with few or no symptoms of it. Every few years some people with schizophrenia have a relapse with full blown symptoms. Stressful things happening in the person’s life may cause a relapse.
Medication
Medication is an important part of the treatment of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medication is used to reduce hallucinations and delusions. Other kinds of medication may also be given if the person has difficulty sleeping, is very anxious, or depressed. It is important to take the medication regularly to avoid a relapse.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be good for a person with schizophrenia.
Psychodynamic therapy is quite controversial. The actual therapy does not seem to work so well.
When a person suffers from schizophrenia, it is helpful for the whole family to get support. This usually reduces stress and worry, and helps people cope.
Self help groups
There are user organizations such as RSMH that offer self help groups for sufferers of schizophrenia. These groups may help the person handle symptoms such as voices. They also give a chance to make new friends.