Schizophrenia – An overview

 

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that is characterized by distortions in thinking, perceptions, emotions, sense of self and behavior. Common experiences include hallucinations and delusions.

These experiences may be difficult to describe to friends and family members, yet seem completely real to the affected person. This may make it difficult for others to understand that these are the effects of the illness.

 

Who is susceptible?

Schizophrenia affects an estimated 20 million people worldwide. The disorder is relatively infrequent, about 1 in 2000 people are affected. Schizophrenia also commonly starts earlier in men. 

People with Schizophrenia are 2-3 times more likely to die early than the general population. The illness starts mainly in young people, ages 15 to 30, however it may start at other ages as well.

 

Why is someone affected by it?

It is widely thought that a combination of genetics, environmental factors such as stress or even psychological factors may contribute to Schizophrenia. 

Schizophrenia can be inherited but in most cases, children of Schizophrenic patients do not develop the illness. Stress can exacerbate the illness or cause a relapse for recovering patients.

 

How is it treated?

Schizophrenia is effectively treated by a combination of medicines and psycho-social support. As a family member or friend you can help by,

  1. Understanding the illness better
  2. Encouraging the patient to access treatment
  3. Encouraging the patient to get back to social roles as much as possible
  4. Taking care of your personal health and mental well-being
  5. Feeling confident to deal with the stigma and discrimination that you and the patient might experience

However, most patients with chronic Schizophrenia lack access to treatment. About 90 percent of untreated Schizophrenic cases are from low and middle income countries. There is also clear evidence that out-dated mental hospital treatment is not effective and transfer of care from mental health institutions to the community needs to be prioritized.

 

Where can you head to find out more?

This article has been derived almost exclusively from the WHO and SCARF websites. The following pieces can further your understanding of Schizophrenia.

Facts:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia

https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/neurological/schizophrenia

Articles on Schizophrenia by NGOs:

https://www.whiteswanfoundation.org/search-result/?q=schizophrenia&tag=True

https://www.scarfindia.org/scarf-media/2019/08/what-is-schizophrenia.pdf

Opinion articles on Schizophrenia:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/people-with-schizophrenia-open-up-about-the-myths-and-assumptions-surrounding-the-condition/article27186122.ece

https://theconversation.com/the-concept-of-schizophrenia-is-coming-to-an-end-heres-why-82775

Report on status of mental health in India:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lancet-report-mental-health-disorders-on-the-rise-in-india/articleshow/66156376.cms


 

Stay Paw-sitive!

The best part about being quarantined?

Hundreds of cuddles.

Thousands of slobbery kisses.

Infinite number of ‘Fetch’ games.

In short, lots of precious time you can spend with your fur-babies.

Seriously, let me tell you something; whether you’re irritated about working from home or not, I can guarantee that your furry friends are ecstatic. Because the sad thing is, most of us don’t find enough time to give to our pets. All of us have a 9-5 timetable, and we tend to fall short of the hours, minutes, and seconds of love that you can shower them with.  And these are troubled times, which makes it imperative that you spend time with them.

One thing that medical professionals around the world agree upon is that having a pet at home is an incredibly effective stress-buster. This has been proven over and over, with various people, countries, and with different animals. Studies show that people who care for a pet, especially a cat or a dog, at home are less prone to health issues than those who never interact with pets.

Pets are known to reduce stress levels, improve recovery from diseases such as high blood pressure and cardiac disorders, etc. Another benefit of having a pet is that you are constantly motivated to exercise (though this is true only in the case of dogs) which helps you improve your physical health. In fact, studies dating back to the 1980s also show that interaction with animals on a regular basis decreases your stress levels and improves your focus and concentration skills.

Children who are exposed to animal interaction from an early age are also observed to gain significant social skills.  In fact, a research article published in ‘Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals’, back in 2011, also says this:

‘Human–animal interaction (HAI) has been shown to have positive effects on health. Owning a pet is associated with lower heart rate and blood pressure during basal and stressed conditions and well-being in humans..In addition, anxiety decreases in the presence of a dog and children having a dog present in their classroom display increased social competence.’ 

This is because many pets, dogs in particular, are highly attuned to human moods and behavior. Dogs in general are attuned to human commands and are very responsive to their humans’ low moods. It is attested to by many that a good snuggle with their pet at the end of a bad day can relieve their stress and anxiety.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not just Pomeranians, Maine Coons and other well-bred dogs and cats who can help you improve your health. Any homeless fur-baby, even a stray, that you pick up from the local shelter is capable of providing the same amount of love.

It is significant to note that the beneficial effects of owning a pet is generally agreed upon by even those in the administration/ government.This is why governments all over the world recommend animal-interventional therapy to war veterans and those in the army. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, or obesity, you name it, they can help you get out of it. 

So, the next time you come across a stray or have an opportunity to care for your friend’s pet, take pleasure in knowing that through this interaction there is a mutual benefit. And, if you’re more of a go-getter, volunteer at a pet shelter, foster a pet till it finds a forever home or bring home a bundle of furry joy. For, no matter if they are slobbery, aloof, hoofed or horned, we need our animal friends more than they need us.

Team LonePack wishes you health, companionship and lifelong friendship!