Mental diseases have a critical influence on people’s well-being because they affect the way individuals perceive themselves and their environment by distorting reality. Schizophrenia is one of the most complex examples of these disorders because it leads to the inability to live independently and hold a job. Unfortunately, those people who are affected by it do not always realize this fact. As a result, they can be unwilling to obtain treatment. Thus, it cannot be denied that the issue of schizophrenia is worth discussing.
Background Information
Schizophrenia usually occurs in individuals who are 18-30 years old. Men, for instance, tend to reveal the symptoms of this disorder earlier than women. The development of this health issue can occur in different ways; therefore, it is not always easy to diagnose. While some people can deal with slight symptoms for years, others can be affected suddenly and quickly. Even though schizophrenia usually occurs at a particular period of time, its early onset is possible.
Unfortunately, in such situations, people tend to suffer from a greater number of negative symptoms and can even deal with developmental delays. Regardless of its onset, schizophrenia is “associated with the same clinical, cognitive, aetiological and epidemiological components” (Pagsberg 3). Moreover, it can be diagnosed appropriately in different populations using the criteria. Grison et al. emphasize that schizophrenia is associated with genetic risk (522). The inability to identify and start treating this disorder as early as possible leads to poor outcomes. It is also significant to remember that children tend to face more associated problems compared to adults.
Symptoms
People with schizophrenia may have clear symptoms that can be easily noticed by others or hidden ones that can be identified only when individuals share what they really think. Psychotic, emotional, and cognitive symptoms can be observed in those who suffer from this disorder. Thus, people may deal with speech issues, delusions, hallucinations, excessive social anxiety, suspiciousness, and blunted emotions (Chemerinski et al. 653; Grison et al. 519-520). Pompili et al. also mention that they are likely to express more impulsivity and aggression than mentally healthy individuals (458). Moreover, the risk of suicide in this population increases significantly because of the distorted perceptions.
Treatment Complications
People with schizophrenia are usually treated with the help of appropriate medicine. Even though it is rather effective, many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the significance of social support and religion. Smolak et al. emphasize that people’s perceptions and beliefs have a critical influence on treatment and its outcomes (444). Much attention should be paid to the way families, medical staff, and community affect treatment.
For instance, some individuals may consider religion to be a coping mechanism that increases patients’ willingness to look for help and treatment. Thus, professionals should not miss an opportunity to use it in order to streamline the process of recovery. Lafeuille et al. also mention that people with schizophrenia have numerous medical comorbidities that affect their well-being (259). For instance, they suffer from hypertension, diabetes, and addition to substances. Thus, when treating schizophrenia, professionals also need to deal with additional complications.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that schizophrenia is a critical problem that affects people’s mental health adversely. It can be inherited, so people with the family history of schizophrenia should check their condition. Being unable to perceive reality adequately, individuals who suffer from this disorder can resist treatment and require social support. Moreover, they often face medical comorbidities that worsen their well-being and make treatment even more complex.
Works Cited
Chemerinski, Eran, et al. “Schizotypal Personality Disorder.” Journal of Personality Disorders, vol. 27, no. 5, 2013, pp. 652–679.
Grison, Sarah, et al. Psychology in Your Life. 2nd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2016.
Lafeuille, Marie-Helene, et al. “Burden of Schizophrenia on Selected Comorbidity Costs.” Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, vol. 14, no. 2, 2012, pp. 259-267.
Pagsberg, Anne. “Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders.” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, vol. 22, no. 1, 2013, pp. 3-9.
Pompili, Maurizio, et al. “Impulsivity, Aggression, and Suicide Risk in Patients with Schizophrenia.” Psychiatric Annals, vol. 43, no. 10, 2013, 458-462.
Smolak, A., et al. “Social Support and Religion: Mental Health Service Use and Treatment of Schizophrenia.” Community Mental Health Journal, vol. 49, 2013, pp. 444–450.