The National Institute of Mental Health cites that 2.4 million American adults age 18 and older suffer from schizophrenia yearly. Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder, which causes its victims to have hallucinations (hearing voices that are not present), delusions (unrealistic beliefs), disorganized thinking and withdrawal from society. Supporting a schizophrenic is a tough feat because he generally distrusts the world and believes that his hallucinations and delusions are real. His support system may include family, friends, case managers, physicians and churches. In most cases, family members are faced with the direct task of supporting the schizophrenic.
Instructions
Supporting the Schizophrenic
1. Ask to speak with the person assessing the schizophrenic so you can have accurate knowledge of his diagnosis. Those closest to him are often the first to spot any changes he undergoes, such as periods of wellness and illness. While being examined, the schizophrenic may deny his symptoms because he believes his hallucinations and delusions to be true. Speaking with the evaluator gives you an idea of what he conveyed and what was diagnosed, which can be used to compare with his symptoms at home.
2. Ensure that he continues to receive treatment after his hospitalization. If he does not continue his treatment, he may become psychotic and disorganized to the extent that he neglects his basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing. Without proper supervision, he may discontinue his medication or refuse to engage in follow-up treatment visits. Encourage him to remain in treatment and stay abreast of his medication intake by ensuring he takes it as prescribed.
3. Identify with his hallucinations and delusions, but tactfully explain to him that they are not real. Exercise caution when applying this strategy, especially if he is undergoing a paranoid episode. During this time he is not rational and will staunchly reject your attempts to swerve him back to reality. Wait until he calms down before explaining that you understand that his thoughts and beliefs are true to him but to another this may not be the case. This makes him feel that you at least you understand where he is coming from.
4. Keep a record of his symptoms, the medications, dosages he has taken and the resulting effects. This helps you to identify potential relapses early, so he can be treated before a full episode develops. Recording his medication usage also helps you to detect which treatments have been effective and which produced side effects.
5. Help him to regain his abilities so he can learn care for himself. This includes eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly to calm his turbulent mind. He must feel you are with him and not against him or he will become paranoid and feel you are out to harm him. He wants to be accepted and will therefore make an effort to do things appropriately if you guide him gently.
Tags: hallucinations delusions