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page 6. Schizophrenia:
Understanding the Disorder
Side Effects:
For some individuals, the side effects of their medications
can cause many problems. It is the
group of side effects know as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) that are the most debilitating. Uncontrollable restlessness, muscle
stiffness, tremors and involuntary movements characterize these side
effects. These people may further
isolate themselves from family and friends because they are embarrassed by
these side effects, and are unable to control them. They may decide to stop their medication. Family members may think that extrapyramidal
symptoms are part of the disease itself.
That is why it is important for individuals and families to
monitor drug doses regularly, and to know and understand the side effects of
particular antipsychotics.
Psychosocial Therapy and Social Support:
Psychotherapy and rehabilitation go hand in hand with the use
of medication in the treatment of schizophrenia. Especially when the acute phase of the disorder is over, many
people need help to rebuild their lives so that they can make the best use of
their capabilities - enabling them to work, and build personal and social
relationships. Supportive therapy is
important for individuals living with schizophrenia; to provide them with encouragement, friendship and good practical
advice on how to manage their day.
Teaching of life skills – the management of medication, keeping
appointments, learning to socialize again, getting a job – are all part of the
rehabilitation process. Tragically,
because the disorder afflicts many people while in the full bloom of youth,
they haven’t even had the opportunity to learn these basic life skills
yet. It’s as if they did not get the
chance to fully mature. So
rehabilitation can be very challenging.
For most individuals, one big key in the treatment of their
disease is acceptance. This is also
true of the family that surrounds the person with schizophrenia. Acknowledgement that the disease is real,
that it is not likely to go away, and that it may put limitations on what the
person can do, will make it easier for everyone.
The Cost of Schizophrenia:
In addition to the emotional strain caused by schizophrenia,
families and people with the disorder must deal with additional financial
costs, primarily due to the loss of employment. Although some people with schizophrenia are able to work, many
cannot.
The burden on the healthcare system is very real as
well. In fact, schizophrenia is the
number one mental health care cost. In
Canada alone, total costs are well over two billion dollars per year. The largest contributor to these costs is
hospitalization.
Early treatment of the disorder is critical. It has been suggested that delays in
treating the early episodes of schizophrenia with medication may result in a
poorer long-term outcome for individuals.
At any time, over 50% of the repeat admissions to hospitals for mental
illness are individuals with schizophrenia.
With early treatment, with the best medications, relapses may be
minimized. Costs to people with
schizophrenia, their families and the healthcare system can therefore be
reduced.
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