Paranoid Schizophrenia – a reality check!

Kranti Khanderkar explores the much misunderstood and controversial mental ailment – paranoid schizophrenia and sheds some light on the reality and popular misconceptions plaguing those affected.

Thirty year old Smita Raut (name changed) speaks to people everyday who do not exist in reality. She speaks, hears and sees them as part of her life and doesn’t realize that they aren’t really there. If you come to the conclusion that she is possessed by a spirit or something paranormal, then you have been misled by a popular belief or superstition, rather, the real cause of her behaviour is paranoid schizophrenia, a paranoid form of the disorder.

“She usually speaks to people which she claims exist and forces her to do the things which she doesn’t want to do,” expressed Anil Arekar, brother of Smita.

"Schizophrenia, one of the most damaging of all mental disorders causes its victims to lose touch with reality. They often begin to hear, see, or feel things that aren't really there (hallucinations) or become convinced of things that simply aren't true (delusions),” explained Dr. Anand Patkar, a Psychiatrist.

Smita has been married for six year and stays with her in-laws, and a son who is five year old. “Few years back we had Ganpati at home. I and Smita were performing pooja, she suddenly had an attack and said to me that her imaginary companion was asking her to physically desecrate the Ganesh idol. That episode really stunned me for a while,” said Deepak Raut, Smita’s husband.

“Once, I and my cousin sister went to visit sister Smita. We were having a casual conversation, and out of nowhere, she revealed that sometimes she feels an urge to throw her son from the first floor,” said Sneha Naik, Smita’s cousin sister.

Without medication and therapy, most paranoid schizophrenics are unable to function in the real world. If they fall victim to severe hallucinations and delusions, they can be a danger to themselves and those around them.

The causes of schizophrenia are still under debate. A chemical imbalance in the brain seems to play a role, but the reason for the imbalance remains unclear. Reaserchers believe that you're more likely to become schizophrenic if you have a family member with the illness. Stress does not cause schizophrenia, but can make the symptoms worse.

According to Dr. Patkar, in the paranoid form of this disorder, they develop delusions of persecution or personal grandeur. The first signs of paranoid schizophrenia usually surface between the ages of 15 and 34. There is no cure, but the disorder can be controlled with medications. Counseling and group therapy help recovering patients to understand the disease and to function effectively. Severe attacks may require hospitalization.

Signs/Symptoms

Schizophrenia usually develops gradually, although onset can be sudden. Friends and family often notice the first changes before the victim does. Among the signs are:

Confusion
Inability to make decisions
Hallucinations
Changes in eating or sleeping habits, energy level, or weight
Delusions
Nervousness
Strange statements or behavior
Withdrawal from friends, work, or school
Neglect of personal hygiene
Anger
Indifference to the opinions of others
A tendency to argue
A conviction that you are better than others, or that people are out to get you
Care

TREATMENT

The treatment for schizophrenia depends in part on the stage of the patient's condition.

Hospitalization
In the early stages, hospitalization may be necessary. Hospitalization prevents patients from doing harm to themselves or others.

Medication
The primary form of treatment for schizophrenia is medication. Drugs are now available to control many of the symptoms of the disorder.

Psychotherapy
Some forms of psychotherapy can help schizophrenic patients. Behavior therapy, example, can teach patients to cope with daily activities and may improve the way they interact with other people.

Family therapy
Family members can also benefit from some forms of therapy. Family therapy may also focus on improving the family's ability to communicate with each other and solve mutual problems brought about by the disease.